Manchester United are finally on their way to becoming true Premier League challengers once again as a result of the revolution that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær and the club hierarchy have been monitoring in recent years, with Raphael Varane taking the latest step in the right direction.
The dead wood collected in subsequent failed management regimes is almost gone, while signings since 2019 have focused on the club’s core philosophies and the long-term future in mind.
After improving to third and reaching three semi-finals in Solskjaer’s first full season in charge, United jumped to second place last season and reached a European final. This summer would always be crucial in adding extra quality to important, targeted positions.
First was Jadon Sancho, whose £ 73 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund is now complete. Next is Raphael Varane, for whom United have now announced an agreement in principle with Real Madrid. The final details of the transfer will be completed in good time in the coming days.
One of the brightest young talents in Europe and with incredible potential to become world class in the not too distant future, Sancho fills a void on the right flank that has existed since at least 2015.
Varane, meanwhile, gives a proven history of success and great experience to the defense.
United’s defensive record, although it was not problematic in 2019/20 – with only three fewer than champions Liverpool – let them down in 2020/21. They leaked more goals than the rest of the top four, averaging more than one goal per game, more than Arsenal and just three fewer than West Ham.
Harry Maguire is a leader and, despite his singing critics, one of the best defenders in the league. Luke Shaw has finally taken shape on the left back and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while showing defensive shortcomings in his game last season, is the long-term solution on the right back.
Victor Lindelof will remain a decent squad player but has always lacked the quality to complete the unit. With Varane, a World Cup and four-time Champions League winner, that is changing.
Harry Maguire needs a high quality partner and Varane is it / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
The best players not only perform themselves but they make others better. It has been dazzlingly obvious with Bruno Fernandes for the past 18 months and Varane should have a similar effect on the back. He can have a positive impact on Maguire, Shaw and Wan-Bissaka, while he finally has a stable and composed back four can also be a blessing for the one who gets the nod in goal.
Neither David de Gea nor Dean Henderson were faultless last season, but still there can be a calming effect from Varane’s presence that filters back and into the rest of the team as well.
Varane may not be the absolute piece of the overall puzzle, it will likely come in the form of a new midfielder or striker, whether it remains this summer or next year, but he is the last bit of this defense and a big step forward .
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