Varane discusses Pogba, Solskjaer and silverware in first Man Utd interview

Raphael Varane has said he is ready to win trophies with team-mate Paul Pogba at Manchester United.

Of course, the pair know each other well from the international stage, where both men played a huge role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.

The defender is looking to replicate that success at club level and, in his first official interview with the club website, admitted that he and Pogba do differ in styles, but both are ultimately motivated by silverware.

“I think Paul is very positive and he has a very good energy,” said Varane. “He motivates players in the dressing room and on the pitch with his energy. We are different but we are very complementary, and it’s important in the team to have different types of leaders and characters.

“I’m very happy. I’ve known him for a very long time, we started together with the French national team and he’s a great player. I think he’s ambitious and me too, so we are ready to work hard and to do all we can to win trophies.”

Varane was confirmed as a United signing on Saturday and was officially unveiled on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of the Premier League opener against Leeds United, something the 28-year-old clearly enjoyed.

“I came here because I wanted new emotions and it was exactly what I expected and bigger,” he said. “It was massive, a great moment, and I want to say to the fans thank you, and I will do my best to leave everything on the pitch.”

Asked about his decision to swap Madrid for Manchester, Varane responded: “I think it was a good moment because of a lot of things, but I think the most important one is it’s a new challenge and it’s a big motivation to start in a new league in a big club like Manchester United.

“This opportunity was amazing for me, so I chose this change for me and my family. They have come with me. You feel when things are a good moment and this was the right moment.”

United’s new No.19 was also quizzed on a conversation he had with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of signing, where the Norwegian explained his aims for the team.

“It was very important for me to know exactly about the philosophy and what the challenges and objectives are, and the ambitions – that was very important for me. And I feel a real determination and an ambition to work very hard and to try to do everything that is possible to win trophies. That motivates me.”