Raphael Varane: what are the new signing’s strengths - and what could it mean for Lindelof & Bailly?

Manchester United have unveiled Raphael Varane as their third summer signing, following the arrivals of Tom Heaton and Jadon Sancho earlier in the window.

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.”

We take a look at why there is huge excitement around one of Europe’s top centre-backs.

What are his strengths?

At 6ft 3in, with a muscular build, Premier League strikers can expect a battle if they come up against Varane this season.

In the unlikely event they manage to squeeze beyond the 28-year-old, Varane’s speed means he’ll most likely get a well-timed foot to the ball before an opposition attacker can shoot.

It’s not just physically where the defender impresses, he’s also composed in possession and can help build attacks from the back.

And the basics for a centre-back - tackling, positioning and concentration - there are few better in world football than Varane, who, similarly to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, radicates an aura of calmness on the pitch.

How long was he at Real Madrid?

Varnane spent 10 years in the Spanish capital after initially joining from Lens in 2011. In his first few seasons, the young defender was more of a squad player and learned from the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho, before establishing himself as a first-team regular in 2014/15.

He went on to form a solid relationship with Ramos and played 360 times for Los Blancos, registering 17 goals in that period. Varane has also earned 79 senior French caps and has scored five times.

How many trophies has he won?

In a decade at the Bernabeu, the centre-back remarkably won the Champions League more often than the Spanish title.

Varane was a European champion on four occasions compared to his three La Liga triumphs with Real. He also won the World Club Cup four times and picked up a solitary Copa del Rey win in 2014.

But his greatest achievement came on the international stage, when Varane played every minute of France’s 2018 World Cup success. The defender even netted the opener in the quarter-final victory over Uruguay.

When will he play his first game for United?

With a lack of pre-season minutes under his belt, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may opt to leave him out of next fixtures against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Red Devils have plenty of options at the back, meaning there is no rush to get Varane into the team immediately.

United’s fourth game of the season sees them take on Newcastle United on 11 September, and could be a good opportunity for the Frenchman to make his first start in a United jersey.

What does it mean for United’s other centre-backs?

Prior to the new signing, there’s no doubt Harry Maguire was Solskjaer’s first choice in the heart of defence.

He’ll almost certainly start alongside Varane, meaning Victor Lindleof could find himself relegated to the bench.

Eric Bailly, who signed a new contract with the club in April, is likely to be fourth choice now, just ahead of Phil Jones, who is still working his way back from a long-term injury.

Axel Tuanzebe is another option for Solskjaer, but has been sent on a season-long loan to Aston Villa. Youngster Teden Mengi also is expected to leave on loan in the coming weeks.

What has Solskjaer said?

“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.”