Raphael Varane claimed he is "very excited" about working with incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as he acknowledged what has been a "frustrating" season at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman will become the Red Devils' new boss in the summer upon the completion of the current campaign. He will replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who will move into a consultancy role alongside taking over at Austria at the start of next season.
With United set to miss out on Champions League football, it is set to be a busy summer as Ten Hag imprints his style and philosophy on the club. There are expected to be lots of changes with Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Juan Mata all set to depart when their contracts expire, while a number of other players' futures are up in the air.
Rangnick's side sit sixth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. However, the Red Devils have played two more matches and could be out of the race altogether if Mikel Arteta's men pick up two more points from their remaining four games. Tottenham are also chasing the Gunners for that final spot.
When reflecting on 2021/22, Varane told PA news agency: "It’s been a frustrating season. I think it’s good to finish at home in Old Trafford with a win.
"We have to keep pushing and to fight until the end for our fans, so it was a great attitude from the team and an emotional day. We want to finish the season with something positive and we have to play for our fans and for our pride. I think we can improve (defensively). I think we have good players and we have to defend together closer.
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"I think this season we were a little bit irregular and I think we can improve and do better next season. I’m always positive and I think with a good pre-season, with good work, we can prepare well for next season and be ready to fight for every trophy. That’s the ambition of this club."
Varane played against Ten Hag's Ajax during the 2018/19 season, when his Real Madrid side crashed out of the Champions League last 16 in an astonishing upset. The Amsterdam club ended up losing against Tottenham in the semi-finals.
"Yeah, I played against them in the Champions League and they played very well,” the Frenchman added. "I’m very excited to work with him. I’m looking forward to working with him. I think he has good experience and he’s a good person to work in this club."
