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Manchester United star Raphael Varane wants two things ahead of Southampton clash
Manchester United star Raphael Varane could make his debut in today's Premier League showdown with Southampton.
Varane trains with Man Utd squad after joining from Real Madrid
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up on Raphael Varane ahead of today’s Premier League clash with Southampton. The Red Devils go into that match on a high after hammering Leeds 5-1 last time out. And they’ll now be hoping to make it two victories on the spin as they hunt down title glory.
Manchester United signed Varane last weekend, unveiling the France international before their emphatic victory over Leeds.
It’s been a deal 10 years in the making, with the Red Devils previously hoping to land the player when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.
Now, Varane is expected to make his debut today when United lock horns with Southampton at St Mary’s.
And, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, Solskjaer revealed the 28-year-old wanted to learn their style of play and to get his fitness up.
"He certainly has all the credentials and quality to do that," he said when asked if the 2018 World Cup winner can inspire his side to glory.
"He's impressed me since he's come here.
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"He wants to learn about our style of play. He works hard, he wants to get his fitness up.
"It's been a while since he played in the Euros. He's very meticulous, he's such a top professional.
"You can see his honours, his trophies - but you also look at him and what he's done off the pitch.
"There's not a lot of trouble there, so for a manager I'm very impressed by him."
Solskjaer also opened up on Jadon Sancho, too, expressing a belief the former Borussia Dortmund star is the perfect signing for his team.
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"For me, he fits us like a glove. He's creative, he's fearless,” he said.
"He's got quality, he's hardworking, humble. He's got all the attributes to be a success at Man United.
"He's very young. Sometimes you think wow - all the experience he has on his young shoulders. He'll only get better."
On whether the pair were ready to face Southampton, Solskjaer confirmed they were in his thoughts.
However, the Norwegian stopped short of confirming they’d both start the contest as they battle to regain full fitness.
When asked if they’re fit enough to be involved, he said: ”Yeah, I would think so.
"Of course, I was worried before Leeds with the lack of minutes a few had but we managed to get through on adrenaline.
"The first couple of games you play in a season you get through by adrenaline no matter how many games you have played in pre-season.
"The clue is to be consistent. Not to have all the adrenaline in the first one or two. So we need a foundation.
"They might start, they might not start - it's a long season."
Meanwhile, regarding Varane, talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor thinks the defender can shine in English football.
“If he starts, I think they have the best defence in the league. Luke Shaw, Varane, Maguire and Wan-Bissaka are the best defence in the league,” he said.
“That’s what they’ve been crying out for in games.
“Lindelof has been okay, but has a mistake in him. Varane doesn’t have a mistake in him. He’s no nonsense.
“Maguire is the one who will play out with it, run out with the ball and who better than Varane, one of the quickest centre-halves in the league now, just back there saying ‘go on Maguire you go out there, if you lose it, I’m back here with Wan-Bissaka to tidy up for you’.
“I’m excited to see him, I hope he plays.”