Raphael Varane enjoying start to new season at Manchester United after injury issues last term
Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane is enjoying his start to the season under Erik ten Hag. The France international has been able to play in the 2022/23 campaign consistently.
Varane made his way to Old Trafford from Real Madrid last summer. The 2018 World Cup winner was a marquee signing in the previous campaign. However, the 29-year-old did not live up to expectations.
However, Varane has come up trumps this season. Speaking via RMC Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News), the French centre-back expressed his delight at being able to step on the pitch for the Red Devils regularly.
“I’m very happy. I’m enjoying it a lot. Last season was irregular for me. This start to the season, we’re getting good results, taking pleasure in playing, in fighting together.
“I also came to England to live emotions like that, and every game is a battle, a challenge. I like it. Being able to play regularly, having had a full pre-season, allows me to feel good on the pitch.”
In the previous campaign, Varane featured 29 times for United. The France international was not able to play consistently due to fitness issues. The former Madrid defender missed 17 games for the Red Devils in the 2021/22 season.
United’s defence was in shambles in the previous campaign. We conceded 57 goals in the Premier League. The Old Trafford side ended the season with a goal difference of zero.
Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Varane were the centre-backs who featured the most in the previous campaign. Our backline looked shaky at times and the Red Devils made some prominent errors leading to goals.
The start of the new season under Ten Hag reflected the frailties we had in the 2021/22 campaign. However, the gaffer has changed a few things up and United have managed to change things around.
Lisandro Martinez was paired with the France international, relegating the club captain to the bench. And since then, the partnership has brought success to United.
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When Varane has started this season, we have won every game. United have found a winning partnership with him and our Argentine addition in the recent window. Hopefully, the French national is able to remain fit throughout the season and help bring trophies to Manchester.
