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Manchester Evening News

Former Busby Babe gives verdict on Manchester United signing Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane is on the cusp of signing for Man United from Real Madrid.

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Raphael Varane could complete a transfer to Manchester United this week.(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Raphael Varane is edging closer to a move to Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his defensive options this summer.

Having already said his farewell to his current club Real Madrid, Varane transfer to Old Trafford is expected to be confirmed sometime this week.


The French international comes with world-class pedigree having won the Champions League four times and lifted the World Cup in 2018.


Varane has performed on the highest level for many years, but former Manchester United and Ireland midfielder Johnny Giles is not entirely convinced about United's latest signing.

“I’m not so sure” was Giles’ response when asked by Off The Ball if Varane could transform United’s defence in the same way Virgil van Dijk did for Liverpool.

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“I watched him in the Euros this year for France and I didn’t think he played well at all, especially against Switzerland when they beat them on penalties and conceded three goals.

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“I didn’t think he played well, but he is an experienced player and has proven himself over the years."

“He should be a good signing, but I would be a little bit concerned about him, having watched him play for France in the Euros," added Giles, who joined United as a teenager in 1956.


Considering Varane had just recovered from an injury and contracted a coronavirus a few months prior, his performances could be excused.

The 28-year-old will be looking to bounce back from the setback and hit the ground running at Old Trafford in order to prove Giles' fears wrong.

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READ MORE: Karim Benzema sends message to Raphael Varane ahead of Manchester United transferREAD MORE: Raphael Varane says goodbye to Real Madrid teammates and chairman Florentino Perez
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