In the aftermath of Manchester United’s dramatic home win against enemies Liverpool, Raphael Varane faced the media in the mixed zone at Old Trafford.
On Monday, Varane was making his first start of the season with captain Harry Maguire dropping to the bench after successive defeats to Brighton and Brentford in their opening two games of the season.
Varane endured a number of injuries in his debut season at the club however, boss Erik ten Hag confirmed the Frenchman had been put on a special training programme throughout pre-season in order to keep the centre-back in the best physical condition possible.
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Post-match, Varane said: “I feel good. We did a lot of work. I work a lot to be fit and ready. I was ready at the start of the season, but the manager decided to pick me on the starting 11 for this game, so I was absolutely ready and focussed. I tried to do my best for the team.”
Alongside Varane was summer signing Lisandro Martinez, with the duo’s sternness breaking in the 81st minute through a goal from Mohamed Salah however, a first outing for Martinez and Varane together was largely successful.
The Argentine international stands at just 5’9”, and though statistically Martinez has won every single one of his duals in his first three matches, there has been a somewhat strange narrative created around the 24-year-old as to how he can’t cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.
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Varane described his chemistry on the pitch with the former Ajax man as ‘very good.’
He said: “We spoke a lot. We worked a lot this week to be tactically ready and before the game, during the game, we motivate each other, so it was good, and I really enjoyed tonight.”
Starting just his second season in English football, Varane understands the transitioning face from another European league, and he believes Martinez certainly has what it takes to cut it in England.
Varane said: “It’s never easy to come in the Premier League. It’s a special league with a lot of intensity and tonight he really showed his qualities, and he brings his motivation [and] determination to the team and it was very good for the team.”
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It wasn’t just the five-time Champions League winner who spoke highly of Martinez post-match though, with Ten Hag also full of praises for United’s number six.
On Martinez, Ten Hag said: “I think that [aggression] is what he brings into the squad. I call it ‘grinta’. South American, he is. That is one of his attributes and he can bring it into the squad, into the team.”
Martinez made three ball recoveries, seven clearances and one block up against an attacking trio of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz.
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For United’s upcoming away fixture to Southampton on Saturday, Ten Hag will be able to choose another aggressive South American, as midfielder Casemiro stepped out onto the Old Trafford turf pre-match to officially announce his move from Real Madrid.
Varane played with the Brazil international for a number of years at the Santiago Bernabeu and cannot wait to line-up with his former teammate again.
When asked if he had spoken to Casemiro to convince him to join United, Varane said: “I think he doesn’t need me to come here, but obviously I spoke with him.”
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He continued: “He has a lot of qualities. He is very strong, and I think for the team, he can bring stability, good balance between the attack and defence and obviously winning mentality and [a] strong mentality on the pitch.”
Questions marks have been asked of the signing of Casemiro due to his age and financial package however, the 30-year-old is a completely different profile in midfield to what Ten Hag already has on his hands.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro
Aadam Haladh