How would Manchester United benefit from Raphael Varane’s presence?

The transfer season has already witnessed some very interesting deals as it has been one of the most exciting transfer windows with lots of surprises. One of the transfer moves that was already in the offing for the last 2 months is that of Real Madrid FC centre back Raphael Varane. The 29-year-old’s transfer was finalized by Manchester United recently.

The centre back would be signed for a hefty sum of 42 million pounds. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emphasizing on a centre back who could be offensively as well as defensively worthy, Varane would be an ideal signing. So how would the Red Devils benefit from the Frenchman’s signing?

How could Raphael Varane be a contributing factor for Manchester United?

The former Real Madrid FC player was always a big priority for Manchester United higher-ups and manager Solskjaer since the last few weeks. Varane’s biggest strength is his ability to adapt as per the opposition’s style of play and his ability to read the situation. The Frenchman possesses the speed to break the opposition’s attacking runs with his combative tackles and athleticism. The 29-year-old possesses the traits of a modern-day centre back. Varane can thwart any attacking move with his sliding challenges and bold interceptions at the centre as well as at the wings.

Varane can use his reach brilliantly to cut any dangerous move from the midfield inside the box by breaking the connectivity between the midfield and the forward line with his clever interceptions. Varane reach also allows him to win aerial duels more frequently during set-pieces. Dominating in the air and pacy on the ground Varane can recover the possession with his skillful trickery and speed. Solskajaer used a 4-2-3-1 formation in the last season but using 4-3-3 would provide more backup in the backline and offer more stability.

Varane’s ability to defend long crosses during open play would come in handy. Teaming him alongside Harry Maguire at the back would add more cohesion. Varane has made more than 300 appearances for the Los Blancos winning 3 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League titles. The 29-year-old centre back was also a part of the 2018 World Cup-winning team.

Employing Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan Bissaka at the wings would add more solidity and give a huge boost to the defensive set-up. Varane is exceptional with his ability to control possession. He has the ability to make timely clearances by breaking the opposition’s rhythm. Playing under Solskjaer would add more completeness to his tactical understanding.

The Frenchman can break any counter-attacking move with his physical presence and powerful tackles. Varane is a smart thinker who can compensate for defensive frailties in the midfield with his positional awareness and anticipation. Varane would add a lot of robustness in the defensive set-up for the Red Devils and could be a long term solution for the technical shortcomings Manchester United has faced since the last 2-3 seasons at the backline.

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