Manchester United signed one high-profile 23-year-old this summer, but it could so easily have been two if Jose Mourinho had got his way.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho hailed Raphael Varane as the “best young defender in the world” back in 2014, so it should come as no surprise that the Portuguese boss tried to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.
The Red Devils clearly weren’t afraid to splash the cash in Jose Mourinho’s first summer in charge in an attempt to win a first Premier League title since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
One of Mourinho’s targets was Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, and the player has now spoken openly about the dialogue he had with Manchester United and why he didn’t make the move.
Jose Mourinho wanted to bring Varane to Manchester United
The Frenchman called Manchester United a “very big club”, and described their interest as “flattering”. However, he added that “I have always said that I feel good in Madrid.”
Varane conceded that, “It’s not easy to say ‘No’ to Jose Mourinho,” but that “You have to weigh up the pros and the cons. We’re men, we have decisions to make and that’s how it is.”
The two-time Champions League winner was reportedly assured he would see an increased role at Real Madrid if he remained with the club.
Varane’s loyalty to Zidane is understandable
Varane’s loyalty to compatriot and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is understandable, given that the 44-year-old played a major role in bringing a fresh faced Varane to Real from Lens.
The youngster has featured in 3 of Real’s 4 competitive games so far this season, so Zidane appears to be keeping his word.
Eric Bailly has been superb for Manchester United so far this season
Manchester United fans are unlikely to be too disappointed. Whilst Varane is undoubtedly a class act, their summer recruit Eric Bailly has been exceptional so far this season, and formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Daley Blind.
Would Raphael Varane have been a good signing for Manchester United? Tell us what you think…
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