Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez to return to Manchester United next week after the 2022 World Cup final
France international Raphael Varane and Argentina star Lisandro Martinez will return to Manchester United next week after the 2022 World Cup final, according to James Ducker of The Telegraph via utdreport on Twitter (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The former Real Madrid star started the final between Les Bleus and La Albiceleste. He played until the second half of extra time before being substituted in the 113th minute.
It was a thrilling final at Lusail Stadium to cap off the prestigious tournament. Didier Deschamps’ team were second best for most of the match. However, in the dying minutes of the fixture, they managed to get back in the game.
Argentina took a two-goal lead into the break and were dominating the 2018 World Cup champions for most of the second half as well. However, Kylian Mbappe’s penalty in the 80th minute sparked the French to life and the forward found the back of the net once again just a few minutes later.
Extra time was entertaining as well, with both teams going at it. But it was Lionel Mesi who restored the advantage for the South Americans first. However, Mbappe was once again on the mark from the spot as the match ended 3-3.
In the end, Argentina got the better of France in the penalty shootout. While Martinez did not feature in the final, the 24-year-old played a part in previous fixtures.
Now, United boast two World Cup winners in their backline. Varane and Martinez have formed a brilliant partnership at the back for the Red Devils.
The 29-year-old signed for the Old Trafford side in the summer of 2021 from Madrid. However, he has thrived in the current campaign. On the other hand, Martinez reunited with Erik ten Hag in Manchester after arriving from Ajax in the recent transfer window.
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Hopefully, the two will make their way back to United quickly. The Red Devils are set to be back in action on Wednesday (21 December) against Burnley in the Carabao Cup.
