Raphael Varane returned to the Manchester United side to face Liverpool, replacing captain Harry Maguire.
After two losses to start the season, it was a change which had to happen. Raphael Varane is a World Cup winner and four times Champions League winner. Overlook him at your peril.
But that’s what United fans begun to do, along with manager Erik ten Hag. Not due to talent, but due to his inconsistent fitness.
Varane’s quality has never been in doubt, however, he only started 20 Premier League games last season after his £34 million move from Real Madrid.
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Varane chooses perfect night to deliver
Competition for places can bring out the best in players. Raphael Varane knew he had to perform upon his recall to the side, for both personal and team gain.
The team desperately needed a win, and Varane had an unenviable task, returning against a dangerous Liverpool side for his first league game in months.
This was a perfect night for Varane to step up and remind everybody of his quality. Lisandro Martinez may have been named man of the match by supporters, but the Frenchman was every bit as impressive.
He looked strong alongside Martinez, with the pair showing they have the potential to form a strong partnership.
Add in Casemiro in front of them and United could become very hard to get past. A clean sheet just eluded them on Monday night – but the team came a lot closer than in previous games, holding out for the best part of 80 minutes and only conceding once.
Varane made nine clearances, won four duels, and made three ball recoveries. A little rustiness showed towards the end, when he was beaten to a header leading towards Liverpool’s goal, but there was plenty of reason to be positive with his display.
Still only 29, Varane is far from past it, and he can help provide the leadership Erik ten Hag feels has been missing from this Manchester United team.
The fee spent to sign Varane last summer was a good price, but the investment was being questioned this summer, due to his injuries, and the fact United conceded 57 goals last season, and had to go back into the market for another centre-back.
Varane has a fresh chance to show he wasn’t the problem, and his partnership with Lisandro Martinez is one to get excited about. Now he just needs to stay fit, and United will have to manage his minutes sensibly once Europa League games come into play.
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