MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 12:38:40| >> :60:73:73:

Raphael Varane gets hero's welcome at Old Trafford after sealing Man United move

Raphael Varane gets hero's welcome at Old Trafford after sealing Man United move
© Reuters
The France defender has signed a four-year contract.

Raphael Varane received an outstanding reception as Manchester United's new signing was paraded in front of a packed Old Trafford before their Premier League opener against rivals Leeds.

Having announced a deal had been struck to sign the France international on July 27, the completion of the 28-year-old's signing has been delayed by the need for a visa, isolation and medical.

Such delays meant Varane missed Saturday's clash with rivals Leeds, but United announced just before kick-off that he had signed a four-year deal for a reported £34million fee, rising to £42million with add-ons.

The France international was introduced to the crowd nine minutes before kick-off and met by a wall of noise when he emerged from the tunnel holding his United shirt with the number 19 on the back.

"Manchester United is one of the most iconic clubs in world football and the chance to come here and play in the Premier League is something I couldn't turn down," the 2018 World Cup winner said.

"There is a lot more that I want to achieve in my career and I know I'm joining a squad full of great players who will all have the same determination to win matches and trophies.

"Having spoken to the manager I can see how much progress has been made over the last few seasons and I now join a group ready to play at the highest level.

"I want to make an impact here and I will give everything to become part of this club's illustrious history."

United have admired Varane since Sir Alex Ferguson's time in charge and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is overjoyed to have signed the Madrid centre-back.

"I'm absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure one of the best defenders in the world over the last 10 years," the Norwegian said.

"Raphael is a proven winner who we have tracked over a long period of time and we know just how much of a dedicated professional he is.

"We have great depth of international defenders and he will add his immense skill set and leadership to that group.

"He is a unique defender with a rare combination of top-level attributes that I know will rub off on our younger players.

"He has won everything there is to win but I know that he is still determined to succeed, I can't wait to welcome him into the squad."

ID:459378:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect11161:
Written by
P A

Click here for more stories about Varane

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Villarreal's Pau Torres pictured in March 2021
Read Next:
Pau Torres 'turns down chance to join Tottenham'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!