MUTV pundit reacts to what Raphael Varane just said in Manchester United press conference

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Manchester United defender Raphael Varane says the team can win this season’s Champions League.

Raphael Varane is not short of confidence. Despite losing four out of seven Premier League games, including home losses to Brighton and Crystal Palace, he is eyeing Champions League glory.

Speaking at the press conference before the match with Galatasaray, Varane said: “This Manchester United team is good enough to win the Champions League.”

Well, that’s bold. And perhaps a bit of positivity could go a long way right now.

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Varane backed

Raphael Varane knows what is involved in winning the Champions League. He has won it four times with Real Madrid, while teammate Casemiro has done so five times, most recently in 2022.

He knows there is talent in this United squad, and that a team that reached two cup finals last season has it within them to put a run together.

Speaking on MUTV after the press conference, former Red Devils midfielder Sammy McIlroy said he enjoyed hearing Varane’s comments, and feels they will be beneficial for the spirit of the team, especially the younger players.

McIlroy said: “Coming from a player who has won it four times, that’s a boost for the lads. He’s been there and done it, a World Cup and Champions League winner.

“For the young lads to hear what Varane has been saying, it’s a great boost for them, from an experienced player to say we can go far in the competition and win it.

“The way he’s talking I was very impressed with his press conference. It’s so important these experienced players help these young boys.”

Even if Varane did not truly believe United will win the Champions League this season, he will know that saying it brings positive vibes which can rub off on the rest of the squad.

Time to enjoy it

Manchester United’s woeful start to the Premier League season indicates it will be a real battle to simply qualify for next season’s Champions League.

So now we are in this season’s competition, we need to make the most of it.

Losing 4-3 to Bayern Munich in the opening game was not ideal, so it is essential to respond with a home victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.

Bayern are expected to beat Copenhagen, so a win for United would likely catapult the Red Devils up from fourth to second.