Raphael Varane knows exactly what it takes to stop an all-conquering side managed by Pep Guardiola.
When Varane joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2011, Guardiola's Barcelona were the best side on the planet, led by the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi. Weeks earlier, Barca had subjected Manchester United to a brutal footballing lesson, beating them 3-1 in the Champions League final at Wembley.
It was Guardiola's second Champions League triumph in three seasons, the Catalan having also led his beloved Barca to three successive La Liga titles. But Varane helped Real win the Champions League the following season - his debut campaign - as the tide turned and they re-emerged from Barca's shadow.
France defender Varane would go on to win 18 trophies with Real, including four Champions League crowns and four La Liga titles. Now Varane is facing a similar challenge at United, who are aiming to catch and ultimately topple Guardiola's peerless Manchester City side.
City have won their five of the last six Premier League titles and will be one win from the Treble if they beat United in Saturday's FA Cup final. Yet Varane is hoping history will repeat itself and he can lead United to victory at Wembley, before trying to end City's dominance next season.
Varane, 30, a World Cup winner with France, said: "I think the similarities are Pep and the style of play from City. I learned a lot from that period in Madrid. It was my first step at the top level. I learned how to fight and developed that winning mentality. We grew as a team and as a club during that period.
"I learned a lot and it was very helpful for me. We want to develop and be on the top at United as well. When you start winning, you can change the mentality and be more prepared to win more and the biggest trophies. We have to be positive. We're in a good way, but the most important thing is to believe.
"Even when it's difficult, we know how important United are around the world. There's a lot of pressure, so when the results are not good you have to stay calm and composed. When it's good we have to be relaxed too and not think we are bigger than we are. I learned a lot from a club like Madrid - and I try to transmit that here."
Varane won everything in Spain and wants to do the same at United, claiming it takes a special player to succeed at such big clubs, where the demands are so high. "Sometimes, quality is not enough,” said Varane.
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"You need motivation, character and passion on the pitch. To play at these kind of clubs you need something else. Something different, that character to fight, to assume the responsibility, to never hide on the pitch and be ready to face every challenge you can."
Although United's fans are desperate to lift the FA Cup to stop City from matching their Treble, Varane said Erik ten Hag's players want to win it for themselves. "We're more focused on the challenge we face and not stopping the challenge from another team,” said Varane.
"We want to win and that's the only objective we have. We don't try to stop them - we want to win for the club. We know we're able to beat any team. We showed that this season. We know we can beat them, but we also know they're a good team. We have to learn from the games we played against them and we need a great performance."
