Discussions are frequent within the Manchester United fanbase about Raphael Varane’s impact in the Erik ten Hag era.
The center-back started the new campaign injured, missing the first games and taking time to return to the starting eleven.
With poor performances from Harry Maguire during the opening games against Brentford and Brighton, the new manager soon changed his preferred options at the back.
Since then, Varane has played a role in every Premier League game, partnering Lisandro Martinez.
For many fans, he has become a natural defensive leader and has brought some defensive stability to the team after an impressive season last time out.
Varane made his first start of the season against Liverpool with the Red Devils unexpectedly winning and the French international contributing to the defensive performance.
According to sofascore.com, he produced a 7.1 rating despite conceding one goal in the match.
Other stats include eight clearances, four tackles and four major ground game wins.
After his first start of the season, he has managed to start every game in the league and has consistently provided a rating of 7.0 or better, excluding Southampton, and has been an integral part of Ten Hag’s new revolution.
This is in comparison to Virgil Van Dijk, who has been drawing a sub-7.0 rating with a 6.4 against Fulham being the lowest point.
The Dutch international has been at the top of his game for the past two seasons.
It is clear that Varane is adapting very well after his arrival at the club last summer.
Last season would have been disappointing for him after great success in recent seasons in the Champions League with the Spanish giants.
With Martinez arriving in the summer, it was always going to be a difficult choice for the manager, who also has Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire fighting for the starting job.
However, Varane is currently performing at such a high level that he is keeping the United captain out of the squad.
The club now enters a crucial period with Ten Hag hoping to rotate their centre-backs as matches fill up ahead of the World Cup. 
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