Pranav Nair
Darren Fletcher played a key role in Manchester United beating Chelsea to Raphael Varane
According to ESPN (h/t The Express), Manchester United technical director Darren Fletcher played a key role in the club beating Chelsea to the signature of French superstar Raphael Varane.
The World cup winner’s arrival at Old Trafford is imminent after United reached an agreement with Real Madrid for his capture. He becomes the club’s second high-profile signing following the capture of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
The Red Devils will pay an initial £34million for the 28-year-old who had just a year to go on his deal at the Bernabeu. It represents an excellent price for a player in his prime and amongst the best in his position in world football. It largely helps us account for what was a problematic area in the squad.
According to the report, Real were keen to bring Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea into the fray and form a bidding war for Varane. It was however not to be as the player had his heart set on a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Varane’s conversations with Fletcher convinced him that a move to Old Trafford should be his priority. While Football director John Murtough also played a key role, Fletcher was the difference-maker in the deal. Both men took over their respective positions earlier this year and have stepped up magnificently in their first transfer window.
Varane is set to arrive in England next week to undergo his medical and complete the transfer. Once official, he will partner Harry Maguire in the heart of the United defence. The Red Devils take on Leeds United on the opening day of the 2021/22 Premier League season on August 14.
Sir Alex Ferguson came close to landing the player while he was at Lens, only for Real Madrid to swoop in. A decade on, the Red Devils have finally got their man. A truly world-class signing, Fletcher and co. deserve credit for landing the player with minimal fuss.
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Having won the lot with Real Madrid and France, Varane has an idea of what it takes to be successful. The fact that Fletcher was able to sell the club’s vision to him is a good indication as to where the organization is headed. Hopefully, Varane will help craft a new era of success at the Theatre of Dreams.
