Raphael Varane was certainly one of Manchester United’s most successful post-Sir Alex Ferguson signings.
French defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from professional football after the former Real Madrid ace departed Manchester United this summer.
Varane completed a free transfer to Italian side Como, to play under Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, but the Frenchman struggled hugely with injury problems during his spell in Italy.
The defender has now confirmed that it is time to retire from professional football. Here, we will look at Varane’s five best performances for the Red Devils during his time at Old Trafford.
Raphael Varane vs Barcelona (H) – 2022/2023
Kicking off the list is Varane’s brilliant performance against Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League back in the 2022/23 campaign under Erik ten Hag.
After United drew 2-2 against Barcelona at Camp Nou in the first leg of the knockout game, the Red Devils had to beat the Spanish side at Old Trafford.
Despite Robert Lewandowski opening the scoring for the Spanish giants, the dangerous Polish forward was snuffed out by Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Varane was outstanding against the Spanish giants and denied Lewandowski an equalising goal with a vital goal-line clearance as United advanced into the last 16 and that deserved a place on our list.
Raphael Varane vs Manchester City (N) – 2023/2024
After what had been a terrible season for United, the FA Cup final against Manchester City proved to be the pinnacle of the Red Devils’ season.
United beat City 2-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium and once again Varane and Martinez were the key defensive stalwarts.
Erling Haaland was kept quiet throughout the game in London with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho scoring the decisive goals. Varane completed 95 percent of his passes and made seven clearances.
Raphael Varane vs Liverpool (H) – 2022/23
During Ten Hag’s debut campaign at Old Trafford, the Dutchman was under pressure following defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.
United were under pressure coming into their match against Liverpool but goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford won the game for the Red Devils.
The partnership of Varane and Martinez was given a run out against their biggest rivals and this proved to be the key defensive partnership throughout the Dutchman’s debut campaign.
Varane and Martinez had an understanding that worked so well for the club and the Frenchman embraced being a team leader.
Raphael Varane vs Wolves (A) – 2021/22
The chaotic final season of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not have many positives but United started the season with seven points from nine.
United’s 1-0 win over Wolves, which was Varane’s debut, was incredibly chaotic but the defender, who signed from Real Madrid for £34 million, was outstanding.
The midfield was incredibly open and Wolves were cutting through the team at will and creating chance after chance but Varane stood firm and was superb.
It was not a good season for United but Varane certainly made an excellent first impression.
Raphael Varane vs Liverpool (A) – 2023/2024
Varane’s best performance in a United shirt came at Anfield during the 2023/24 campaign with the Red Devils struggling whilst Liverpool were in a title race.
Despite conceding far too many goals during the season, United drew 0-0 against Liverpool and the defensive discipline on show from the Red Devils was superb.
At the scene of one of the worst performances in United history a year prior, Varane returned from the sidelines to lead a stout defensive performance to hold the hosts to a 0-0 draw.
Varane’s performance was brilliant. The Frenchman won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, made 15 clearances and completed three interceptions.
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