Seven of Varane’s nine appearances have come alongside Maguire
Raphael Varane has opened up on what it is has been like to play alongside Harry Maguire at Manchester United since his summer move from Real Madrid.
The Frenchman arrived at Old Trafford from Madrid having won four Champions League titles and the World Cup, joining for a fee believed to be in the region of £40million.
Although Varane has shown glimpses of his quality, groin and hamstring injuries have limited him to just nine appearances in all competitions so far this season.
The 28-year-old suffered an injury in the Red Devils’ recent Champions League trip to Atalanta, but it is hoped that he will be back in action within the next two weeks.
Seven of his nine appearances at centre-back have come alongside Maguire, who has been heavily criticised for his start to the campaign.
The former Leicester man has been slammed for his performances in recent months by a number of ex-players, including Rafael van der Vaart and United legend Roy Keane.
Maguire’s drop in form has coincided with the Red Devils struggling defensively, boasting the worst defensive record in the Premier League’s top seven.
Varane on Maguire: “We've complementary qualities. I like to protect the back of the defence and he likes to go in the contact. So we can do both, but, obviously, because of our characteristics we prefer some situations and that's why we are complementary." [telegraph] #mufc
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) December 3, 2021
Despite this, Varane has insisted that he and the Englishman can form a successful partnership – with United having won all of the games in which they have played all 90 minutes.
He was also complementary of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, suggesting that he can be just as successful when playing alongside United’s other defensive options.
“We have complementary qualities. I like to protect the back of the defence and he likes to go [slaps hands] in the contact,” Varane told the Daily Telegraph.
“So, we can do both, but, obviously, because of our characteristics we prefer some situations and that’s why we are complementary.
“We can also play with Victor, Eric or Phil, who have their own qualities, so there are many options.”
Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signed Varane in the summer, but it is expected that new interim boss Ralf Rangnick will be keen for him to play once he has returned to full fitness.
Related links:
- Phil Jones ‘refused to give up squad number’ for Raphael Varane
- Graeme Souness claims Jonny Evans is ‘better’ than Harry Maguire
- Harry Maguire states the blindingly obvious about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacking
