Manchester United star Raphael Varane sent a heartfelt message to fans and paid tribute to four teammates after his stunning performance against Liverpool at Anfield.
Varane, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, has struggled for regular first-team minutes this season and his future has been cast in doubt in recent months.
The 30-year-old French defender was a commanding presence for United in the backline last season and struck up a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez.
However, Martinez’s absence due to a long-term injury has seen United boss Erik ten Hag opt for a partnership between Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire this season.
Varane made a surprise return to the United XI for the 1-0 defeat to German side Bayern Munich in the Champions League clash at Old Trafford last week.
And the ex-Real Madrid star retained his place for the Liverpool match on Sunday, with Varane partnering alongside Evans in the absence of an injured Maguire.
READ MORE: Man Utd fans’ telling reaction to Kobbie Mainoo’s ‘cheat code’ performance vs Liverpool says it all
Varane’s message to United fans after Liverpool draw
Varane put in an intelligent performance against Liverpool and commanded the United backline effectively well in the Premier League showdown at Anfield.
United fans were fearful going into the Liverpool clash due to Maguire’s injury against Bayern after the England defender limped off in the first half at Old Trafford.
However, Varane stepped up for United on the big occasion and the 2018 World Cup winner impressed with his showing against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side.
Posting on Instagram after the 0-0 draw, the United centre-back was thrilled with the “hard point” his side secured and thanked the travelling fans for their support.
“Big teamwork for a hard point tonight,” Varane wrote to his 23.2m followers.
“We’ll keep our heads down, working hard together and building for more. Travelling support, top top [sic]!”
Varane’s message to four United players
Eagle-eyed United fans also spotted Varane’s fitting tribute to four of his teammates after he scooped the Man of the Match award for his performance against Liverpool.
The former France international posted the aforementioned award on Instagram Stories and tagged each member of the United backline from the Liverpool clash.
Evans, Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw all received a mention from Varane, who added a sword emoji next to their respective Instagram handles.
Speaking on Sky Sports, United legend Gary Neville said ahead of the Liverpool match that Varane had been “found out a bit” during his time at Old Trafford.
“He has gone under the radar,” he said.
“For his career, and he’s not the only one, I agree someone like him with the big matches and tournaments that you’d expect a lot, lot more.
“Something has happened, there’s been a fallout, it doesn’t give me confidence.
“With defenders, you look at if they are a first or second centre-back. He’s second, he likes the other to be dominant and he had that at Real Madrid.
“I think he’s been found out a bit. He’s not the dominant leader type you talk about.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
