Manchester United have been warned that Raphael Varane isn’t as good as people think and that Manchester City defender John Stones is better. That’s according to former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who argues that Varane leaving Real Madrid is a sign of his qualities.
Varane is a longstanding target for Manchester United and there is a belief that a deal could materialize this summer as the France international has just one year remaining on his current deal in Spain.
“I love watching John Stones, I enjoy watching the way he plays. He’s calm, he’s composed but also a brilliant defender,” O’Hara told talkSPORT.
“Last season you had Ruben Dias alongside him which turned him into an even better defender because he had someone with him. I think with Varane he’s going to have that with [Harry] Maguire but in my opinion, I’d rather have John Stones in my team. Is Varane better than Stones? No, he’s not.
“If Varane’s that good, why is he leaving Real Madrid at 28 years old? Why not give him a new deal? If they thought he was that brilliant they wouldn’t be letting him leave. Manchester City aren’t letting John Stones leave.”
Contrary to O’Hara’s claims, Real Madrid have offered Varane fresh terms at the Santiago Bernabeu but the player is believed to be keen to challenge himself elsewhere.
Varane is due back from a three-week long holiday early next week and a decision on his future could be made soon as Manchester United wait in the wings for a final conclusion.
