Since he broke into the world stage at Madrid while José Mourinho was calling shots at the Santiago Bernabeu, Rapahel Varane has etched his name on the minds of many football followers with his enviable displays against Manchester United and Barcelona. With several fine defending including a goal against Real Madrid’s arch-rivals, the 21-year-old Frenchman wrestled a centre-back spot from Pepe and went on to partner with Sergio Ramos at the centre of the European Champions defence.
However, not much has been seen of Varane since Carlo Ancelotti appointment and to be fair to the Italian, he had little choice in the matter. For one, Pepe had put up spirited efforts to reclaim his place in the team and his sacrifice paid off especially when an injury spell plagued the young Varane and before the Frenchman could attain full match fitness, Pepe had already settled in perfectly.
As he is just 21, some pundits have opined that he could still bid his time and hope for improved playing conditions, but for a player albeit quite young who has been involved in almost all the action for club and country, nothing could be more difficult. Varane’s place in the national team is still unshaken and recently produced an awe-inspiring performance in the Euro 2016 preparatory friendly match where he policed the current best footballer in the world and fellow teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.
With his quality, if play time becomes an issue at the Spanish capital, the Frenchman will never be short of potential suitors who will pay handsomely for his services amongst which are Manchester United.
The Old Trafford outfit has been very low defensively this term after releasing two seasoned centre-backs in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and after struggling to re-enter the top four clique for the first time in 2 years, the Old Trafford boss will be keen on maintaining the tempo at the club. As the case is now, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have now assumed leadership of the Red Devil defence and are currently assisted by Phil Jones and summer arrival Marcos Rojo, but with incessant injury worries ravaging the defence, two defensive youngsters, Tyler Blacklet and Paddy McNair have also been promoted into the senior team.
In a move to ensure that the defensive woes are solved during the January transfer window, the Manchester United boss has earmarked German centre-back Mats Hummels and Aston Villa captain and fellow countryman Ron Vlaar but with the versatility of youthfulness that the Varane deal could bring as an advantage, Louis van Gaal might be willing to shell out a huge transfer fee for such a reliable defender.