Raphael Varane has no regrets about becoming a member of Manchester United, regardless of a tough first season at Old Trafford being compounded by former membership Real Madrid profitable the Champions League.
There was a way of optimism across the Red Devils final summer time when the France worldwide adopted Jadon Sancho in becoming a member of a membership that had simply completed as Premier League and Europa League runners-up.
Varane loved an unforgettable welcome at a packed Old Trafford earlier than a convincing victory in opposition to rivals Leeds and the return of former Real team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo added expectation.
But issues quickly went awry for United. Poor outcomes led to the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim alternative Ralf Rangnick solely managed to steer the aspect to sixth, whereas accidents restricted the defender to only 20 league begins.
“It was not the best season, the best results,” Varane informed the PA information company. “Obviously I wanted to play a little bit more but that’s part of football and we’re looking forward for the next season.
“I think the confidence was something important and we lost the confidence when we lost some games.
“I think a lot of things we could do better and obviously we want to improve for the next season. I think we need consistency and we need to build this confidence.”
Last season was a far cry from the successes loved by Varane at Real Madrid, who gained the LaLiga and Champions League titles because the World Cup winner turned out for toiling United.
Asked if his former crew’s success made him suppose he made the unsuitable resolution transferring, the four-time European champion replied: “Absolutely not.
“I think in football you have to challenge yourself and you have to try to improve and I wanted to live another experience after 10 years in the same place – so, no.
“I think the Premier League is absolutely fantastic and Manchester United are a great club, so there was no doubt about my decision.”
Varane’s feelings appear to distinction with annoyed Ronaldo, who’s already believed to be trying to finish his second spell at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old missed the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia because of a household concern and it stays to be seen when he’ll hyperlink up with United.
“Of course we want to improve,” Varane mentioned. “Cristiano is a great competitor, he’s a legend. Obviously it’s very good to play with him and he always helps the team.
“He’s a great player and we all want the best players in the team. We will try to improve next season.”
Ronaldo scored 24 targets in all competitions in his first marketing campaign again at United and was topped Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, nevertheless it was not sufficient to deliver cup success or Champions League qualification.
Some have recommended the veteran’s model meant he was a hindrance moderately than a assist however Varane dismissed such speak.
“We appreciate him as a player and as a person,” he mentioned. “I think this debate was outside of the dressing room. We know his quality.
“And we know he’s very famous, so we know a lot of people will speak about the performance of the team and his performance.”
Playing for United brings extra scrutiny and strain, which captain Harry Maguire is aware of all about.
Erik ten Hag confirmed Maguire would retain the armband this season and the defender was booed by followers in Melbourne at the beginning of Tuesday’s pleasant in opposition to Crystal Palace.
“I think he’s a very important player for us,” Varane mentioned. “He’s the captain and he has a lot of great qualities. Obviously we support him and he’s part of the team and very important for us.”
Varane and Maguire had been the first-choice centre-back pairing when match final season however that dynamic might change when Lisandro Martinez arrives from Ajax.
“I think the competition is very good for the team,” Varane mentioned. “We’ll all be better with this competition. It’s good for the team, so every great club is like this. So this is normal.
“I think we have to be ready for this pressure. If everyone wants to fight for the team, that’s great news.”
It is a recent chapter for all related to United as new supervisor Ten Hag appears to enhance the fortunes of the 20-time league champions.
“A new season, a new start,” mentioned Varane forward of Saturday’s pleasant in opposition to Aston Villa in Perth. “We’re looking forward…new manager and new ideas, new style, so everything is different.
“I think we have a great potential in this team. I think we’re already improving and we can do better. And we’ll keep pushing to fight for the title.
“We are working a lot. (Ten Hag) is very positive, he wants this energy and to press high up the pitch…to keep pushing and be proactive for 90 minutes, so we know exactly what we have to do and we need to work hard.
“We try to play with the defence and we try to defend very high on the pitch, so with more space on our back.
“I think it’s a football that is maybe more offensive. But this football we really enjoy, so that’s a good start.”
Source: www.impartial.co.uk