Raphael Varane. The Real Madrid sensation. The right-footed center-back is strong, fast, and has technique spilling from his ears. Often compared to Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro he is without a doubt one of the best defenders in the world. Recent reports suggest he could be on his way to the Red Devils. Welcome to the first installment of transfer talk where we talk you through this transfer, and how it could potentially be the league-winning signing for Ole.
Let’s start with the finer details of this transfer. Manchester United, having already signed Heaton and Sancho, are looking to further strengthen their squad with an upgrade in the place they need most, a new center-back. However, this could prove to be a key issue. Having already spent 73 million on Sancho, United will be reluctant to spend yet another 51 million on Varane, especially on a player leaving for free in a year’s time. This transfer is looking like it could be a repeat of Sancho last summer, and could likely drag out through the entire summer. Will the pressure from United fans be enough to crack the wallet of the Glazers? They can only hope.
Should this transfer be completed, Varane’s French teammate Paul Pogba will almost certainly be out the door. With investments in both Sancho and Varane, the Old Trafford faithful will be happy to see what has mostly been an inconsistent flop go, most likely for about 65 million to PSG. This will definitely be a positive all things considered, as it could give a chance for Donny Van De Beek to shine. The Dutchman wasn’t given much of a chance last season, something that many fans berated Ole for. However, Ole has stated that he will be giving Donny more of a chance this season, which could be key for United. With Donny playing box to box, Bruno creating chances at 10, Rashford and Sancho flanking the wings, and Cavani up front, with the likes of Greenwood, Martial, and even Telles sitting in wait to make a super-sub impact, United’s attack prowess cannot be questioned in the upcoming season.
However, this isn’t where United’s problems lay. Last season, it was their defensive horrors that let United down. The question here is simple. Does the signing of Raphael Varane help United’s defense? The short answer – obviously yes! United’s problem was often found with their lack of pace and inability to clear the balls from crosses. This was made more clear when Eric Bailly’s inclusion into the first team was game-changing. Bailly made many recovery tackles with his pace, game-winning blocks with his technical awareness, and stopped crosses much more frequently than his peers with his strength and aggression. Ole did not favor him due to his injury record, and thus Manchester United were forced to put up with the sloppy duo of Maguire and Lindelof. However, with Varane coming in, able to do what Bailly did and MORE, without any injury problems, we could see him not only become one of the best center-backs in the league, but shape Maguire into the player he was at Leicester if not become better, provide De Gea with the defensive support he needs, and even help Wan-Bissaka significantly improve by allowing him to stay in position instead of covering for the center backs. With Luke Shaw already shaping up to be a world-class left-back, United could end up with one of the best defenses in the league. With an attack of fiery proportions, one of the best defenses in the league, and the depth to cover it all, United could finally end their drought to bring the Premier League back to Old Trafford.
But that’s all for this edition of transfer talk! I’m Jacob King and I’ll see you on deadline day!