Thomas Hein
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes Raphael Varane should still be our first-choice signing as we search for a centre-back.
United had struggled early in the season for consistency at the back, but things have stabilised under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils are yet to taste defeat in 10 games under the former striker and seem to be getting the best out of Victor Lindelof.
The Swede has impressed in certain games but the problem lies in partnering the youngster with a fit centre-back. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have had their injury concerns while Eric Bailly hasn’t been consistent for the Red Devils.
The Evening Standard claims that Ed Woodward was ready to spend £100m on Varane if Real Madrid were willing to sell last summer, and Brown believes the Frenchman is the “dream defender” for the club (h/t Evening Standard):
“The dream defender for United would be Rafael Varane. He would cost a lot and it would need to be the right fit for United.
“It’s difficult to say as United have a lot of defenders to choose from, and Solskjaer will want players to justify their positions on the pitch.”
Varane is easily one of the best in the world and being just 25, he has the potential to get even better in the coming seasons.
The report adds that United saw two bids for Kalidou Koulibaly fail in the winter window, but the player is keen to move to England.
Read more: Manchester United planning to ward off Real Madrid by offering £150k-a-week package for rising star
United are expected to sign a world-class centre-back in the summer, and it will be interesting to see if we can lure Varane away from Madrid.
