Erik ten Hag praises “leader” Raphael Varane as Manchester United keep clean sheet against Sheriff
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised “leader” Raphael Varane as the Red Devils kept a clean sheet against Sheriff Tiraspol. The gaffer outlined the importance of the French centre-back in the backline.
United travelled to Moldova to take on the Wasps in the second games of the 2022/23 Europa League group stage. The Manchester-based club managed to take the three points with a 2-0 victory.
Speaking after the game to MUTV (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ten Hag explained how United frustrated Sheriff and prevented them from finding the back of the net. The gaffer also identified the French centre-back as being critical in organising the defence.
“The reason (for another clean sheet) is we were good in possession and we defended very well.
“With Rapha Varane there as the leader, he puts everyone in the right position, he fits really good together with Licha Martinez and also the two full-backs did their job really good.”
Varane and Lisandro Martinez have struck up an impressive partnership in the back-four. The Red Devils have won every single game the duo have started this season.
The Frenchman and Argentine featured from the first minute against the Moldovan opposition. And United ended up being solid at the back once again.
Varane and Martinez being in the starting XI has led to the Manchester-based club being on a four-game win streak in the Premier League. The Frenchman seems to have brought stability to the defence.
At the start of the campaign, Ten Hag opted to pair the Argentine centre-back with captain Harry Maguire. However, since the 4-0 loss to Brentford, the gaffer has preferred Varane in the backline with Martinez.
The 2018 World Cup winner came to Manchester from Real Madrid last summer. However, the 29-year-old had a few injury issues that prevented him from playing regularly.
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United fans now see the difference in quality that Varane brings to the squad. The French centre-back seems to be back to his best under Ten Hag. And hopefully, the 29-year-old avoids being sidelined this season.
