‘Leader’ praised after ‘one of the best performances I’ve seen’ in Manchester United draw with Liverpool

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Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is back in favour and making the most of his opportunity.

There has been more than a little recent speculation over Raphael Varane‘s future at Manchester United.

That’s what happens when a high-wage player gets left out of the starting line-up for six weeks, and is the kind of ongoing background noise Manchester United fans are used to.

Varane was recalled to the starting line-up in midweek against Bayern Munich, and did more than enough to retain his place even not accounting for Harry Maguire’s injury.

Against Liverpool he was excellent as Manchester United earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw to silence the Anfield crowd.

Raphael Varane praised

Raphael Varane was a rock at the back alongside Jonny Evans as Manchester United shut Liverpool down.

Varane was praised by former Manchester United star Quinton Fortune on MUTV, who described it as one of the best defensive performances he has watched.

Fortune explained: “He is a leader, that’s what you want to see from a centre-back. That’s one of the best performances I’ve seen.

“At Anfield with Nunez, Salah running at you, let’s hope he stays fit please God because he’s a very, very important player for us.”

Varane was outstanding for Manchester United last season and this was arguably his performance of this season, his first Premier League start since October.

There have been fitness issues limiting his game time, but part of his omission has simply been a tactical or selection choice from Erik ten Hag.

His performance at Anfield made a mockery of that, showing he is still absolutely top class and can be relied upon in difficult circumstances.

Varane has key role right now

Whatever the future holds for Varane, he has an important role between now and the end of 2023.

Manchester United have games against West Ham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest to round out the year, and Varane could start all three.

Harry Maguire is out with an injury over the next month at least, while Lisandro Martinez is not yet ready to return after his foot operation, although he is back in individual training.