Manchester United’s start in the Premier League was reminiscent of the way they finished the previous campaign, limping to back-to-back defeats at the hands of Brighton and Brentford.
The performance against the Bees was particularly worrying and new manager Erik ten Hag was forced to make tactical and personal changes ahead of their clash with arch-rivals Liverpool.
One of the most significant changes included the entry of Raphael Varane into the heart of the defense alongside new recruit Lisandro Martinez. And that change has turned out to be a coup.
varan the leader
United have played six times since then and have won all five of the Frenchman’s starts, keeping three clean sheets. The opposition have managed to score just twice in 495 minutes of football.
Man United with Varane this season:
495 minutes 2 goals conceded 5 wins in 6 games
Man United without Varane this season:
135 minutes6 goals conceded0 wins in 2 games pic.twitter.com/VQ8NPo9tQH
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 16, 2022
The impressive run of four consecutive league wins includes wins over Liverpool and league leaders Arsenal, as well as impressive wins over Leicester City and Southampton.
Ten Hag had indicated that the former Real Madrid star needed a proper pre-season to rediscover his form after last season’s disappointing show which included multiple forced absences due to injuries.
After being put on a separate fitness program, Varane looked a different beast this season and is showing the same kind of form he showed in Madrid when he won multiple Champions League titles.
And the French defender himself came out and said how advantageous a proper pre-season has turned out to be.
“Being able to play regularly, having had a full pre-season, allows me to feel good on the pitch,” the French international was quoted as saying by RMC Sport while on national duty.
Varane enjoying the battles
The 29-year-old’s signing was supposed to be the start of something special, but he barely managed to build any real rhythm thanks to injuries and COVID, while various coaches with different ideas hardly helped.
United legend Rio Ferdinand touched on this, adding that fans would see the best of the World Cup winner this season. And his words have been proven correct.
Confidence is flowing once again and Varane has had no problem fighting physical forwards like Gabriel Jesus, as well as quick and mobile attackers like Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
“I’m very happy. I’m enjoying it a lot. Last season was irregular for me. This start of the season we’re getting good results, enjoying playing, fighting together. I also came to England to experience emotions like that, and every game is a battle, a challenge. I like it,” added Varane.
The busy October schedule will be a big challenge for United and the fans, and Ten Hag hopes Varane can return from international duty injury-free and continue in the same vein, especially for the Manchester Derby.
