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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Raphael Varane explains what Manchester United need to end trophy drought

Raphael Varane has explained Manchester United need confidence, a harmonious dressing room and strong support in order to win trophies.

United can reach their first final since 2018 on Wednesday night providing they don't shoot themselves in the foot in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest. United hold a 3-0 advantage from the first leg at the City Ground thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst and Bruno Fernandes.

Erik ten Hag has been gunning to end the club's six-year wait for silverware which has seen him name strong starting XIs in the domestic cups even against lower league opposition. He has now won his first six matches in the FA Cup and League Cup, a new club record.

ALSO READ: Sancho set to return to United squad vs Forest

Should United advance past Forest they will book a final date with Newcastle United at Wembley on February 26. Varane won all there was to win at Real Madrid and he has passed on his wealth of experience to his teammates.

“I think we have to believe, I think we need that confidence for winning trophies,” the Frenchman told United's in-house media. “I think we are already improving a lot and we are in a good moment.

“We have to stay calm but be ambitious at the same time. I think we are much better now and we have to keep going. I think when you are happy, you are better so I think when we finish a game, when we win a great battle, I think for the spirit of the team it is something special.

“And obviously with a great atmosphere, you feel even more proud of your success and that creates a positive dynamic. So I think for the rest of the season and for the future, that will be very helpful.”

When asked if strong backing from supporters is vital, Varane added: “Yeah, definitely. I think we have the same objective, we want to win trophies.

“I think we are pulling in the same direction so I think we can create some special atmospheres, some special emotions, adrenaline on the pitch, and that is very helpful to win trophies.”

Varane is quickly approaching 50 appearances for United and he is loving life at Old Trafford. He continued: “I feel very happy, it is a great experience for me, I am really enjoying every moment at this great club and I feel good with my team-mates.

“I am really enjoying it. I hope for the future, we will keep going with our improvement and hopefully winning great victories, and be happy with our fans.”

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