Aheed Abrar
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane captains France to victory over Austria in Nations League
Raphael Varane led France to victory over Austria in the UEFA Nations League. The Manchester United centre-back captained his national side to a 2-0 win, via the club’s official Twitter (h/t Manchester Evening News).
Les Bleus welcomed ex-United interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s side to the Stade de France. However, the French were too much to handle for Das Team.
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for France in the 56th minute. And then, former Arsenal and Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud doubled the lead with a header in the 65th minute.
AC Milan goalkeeper started in Tottenham Hotspur and France captain Hugo Lloris’ stead. And Varane was handed the armband for the occasion.
Le Bleus face Denmark next. The United defender will come up against his club teammate Christian Eriksen when France visit the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
Varane has been a part of his national side for almost a decade. Didier Deschamps gave the 29-year-old his debut in a World Cup Qualification game against Georgia in 2013. The Red Devil played the full 90 minutes, winning 3-1.
The United defender has been an integral part of the French national team. Varane was one of the main players during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The 29-year-old missed being a part of Euro 2016 due to an injury.
Varane came back into the fold for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Deschamps’ team ended up lifting the coveted trophy by beating Croatia in the final. However, Euro 2020 was disappointing for Les Bleus as they bowed out of the round of 16.
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Varane has been playing well for the Red Devils this season. The 29-year-old struggles with his fitness in the 2021/22 campaign. However, for Erik ten Hag, the French defender has been pivotal.
