Patrice Evra fears for Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane after World Cup final loss
Manchester United icon Patrice Evra fears about the psychological impact the World Cup final loss will have on Raphael Varane upon his return to the Old Trafford side.
The 29-year-old started at Lusail Stadium in Qatar as France took on Argentina for the golden trophy on 18 December. However, after a valiant comeback from Les Bleus, they were unable to overcome Lionel Scaloni’s team in the penalty shootouts.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Evra, who garnered 81 caps for France, is concerned with Varane’s mental state after losing such an important match in his career.
“It’s never easy, we always need time, we’re only human beings. People always think of the physical side but psychologically I think it’s really hard.”
The former United left-back has himself experienced heartbreak in a final. He started for Les Bleus against Portugal at Euro 2016. However, Fernando Santos’ team got their hands on silverware at the end of the fixture.
Varane played a part in every fixture for Didier Deschamps’ team except their opener against Australia. The French saw off the likes of Poland, England and Morocco in the knockout stages to set up an enticing clash against Argentina.
However, Les Bleus and the former Real Madrid defender only recently held the title of world champions. France triumphed in Russia in 2018 to lift the prestigious trophy.
Hopefully, the 29-year-old is able to return to Manchester in high spirits. He has formed a brilliant partnership with Lisandro Martinez in the backline.
Varane and the former Ajax star have been Erik ten Hag’s preferred pairing in defence this season. After the disappointing start to the season, the Dutch manager has stuck with two when they have been available.
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Now, United can boast to have two World Cup winners in their backline. Now, it will be interesting to see whether the Red Devils will be able to win any silverware by the end of the campaign.
