Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Raphael Varane reflects on Manchester United transfer decision

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane says he has no regrets over his £34million move to Old Trafford.

After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City the season before last, United issued a triple statement of intent during the summer transfer window that followed as they signed Jadon Sancho and Varane, before pulling out all the stops to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the place where it all began on a global scale.

However, despite attracting those high-profile recruits, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November after a title charge descended into tatters. United also failed to grab Champions League qualification under Ralf Rangnick with their long wait for a trophy extended to five years - prompting yet another managerial change.

READ MORE: Things spotted in open training session

Varane, 29, forged an unrivalled reputation for winning during nine campaigns at Real Madrid; picking up three La Liga titles and the marquee European competition on four occasions. Of course, he was also a key player as France lifted the 2018 World Cup in Russia, not long after Euro 2016 heartache in their own backyard.

Injuries hampered Varane during his first season at United and he was restricted to only 28 appearances across all competitions. He will compete with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and new signing Lisandro Martinez for a spot in the back-line this season - and the Frenchman remains adamant Old Trafford is the best place for him.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Sport on club's pre-season tour, he said: "In football you have to challenge yourself and you also have to try to improve. I wanted to live another experience after ten years in the same place.

"I think the Premier League is absolutely fantastic and Manchester United are a great club, so have no doubt about my decision [last summer]."

MORE TO READ:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.