Harry Maguire has praised Manchester United’s signings of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho and claims that the couple’s winning mentality is a “really, really exciting” opportunity for everyone at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old Varane completed the formalities for his £ 41m move from Real Madrid on Saturday, about two weeks after the Red Devils first announced that they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for his transfer.
Sancho finally completed a £ 72.9m move to United towards the end of July, about two and a half years after coach Ole Gunnar Solskjær first identified him as an important target for the rebuilding of his team.
Varane was introduced to United fans before their first Premier League clash with Leeds, and he was treated to a real show when the home team ended up with a 5-1 winner in the Roses derby. Bruno Fernandes looked great 28 minutes into the match after stopping a shot by the visitors’ Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman contributed an astonishing four assists in a dazzling display – additional goals from Mason Greenwood and Fred that ended the easiest first day wins – and it made for a camouflage performance from the bench for Sancho, who continues to build up his fitness after taking some time off after Euro 2020.
Raphael Varane was introduced before Man Utd’s victory over Leeds / ADRIAN DENNIS / Getty Images
But the day was not just about United’s performances on the pitch, as there was great excitement from those present at Varane’s revelation. The fans’ excitement also seems to resonate with the players, with Maguire, who started with Victor Lindelof in central defense and revealed his excitement over the opportunity to play with Varane.
“You have seen what he has gained during his career,” Maguire said of Varane, in a quote from The Guardian.
“He has played for some of the best teams – the French squad and Real Madrid – and he has won absolutely everything. I think he will bring the winning mentality and his footballing ability to the club. Bringing in players of his caliber is really, really exciting.
“We have a fantastic number of midfielders now, all international matches which are all proven in the Premier League.”
Jadon Sancho was the replacement for United / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images in the second half
At Sancho, where Maguire played alongside England during the summer, he was similarly full of praise, noting that players of his caliber are exactly what United need if they are to compete for domestic and continental awards.
“He is an exceptional talent,” said Maguire. “I think you have seen in small glimpses the talent, the skills, the goals, the assistants. He’s still young but he’s done a lot in the game. He also brings that winning mentality. We know that in this club we have to challenge for titles and challenge for trophies. That is the goal. ”
