Raphael Varane endured a challenging first season at Manchester United, with the Frenchman struggling to stay fit for the majority of the campaign.
The 29-year-old made just 22 appearances in the Premier League last season and is desperate for an improved second campaign, with Erik ten Hag likely to see the France international as an integral piece of his rebuild.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, the former Real Madrid star has now commented on the preparations for the new season and looking ahead to a ‘new start’.
“It’s a new season, it’s a new start, so everyone is excited to know about the new manager,” he said. “Obviously, we want to do well and win every game so, for this, we’ll have to prepare for the new season, and I think it’s important for us to train hard and be ready.
“We want to be ready for the new season,” he continued. “We need to work very hard and there will be a lot of training sessions, and a lot of games, so I think it will be interesting and a great moment to work very hard and to prepare for the season.
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“I think it’s a different atmosphere (on tour), it’s pre-season so we have to get fit, we have to prepare. I think it’s always exciting to play in front of our fans around the world, it’s a good experience for us, and it’s a good moment to prepare for the season.”
Varane suffered another blow earlier this month when he was substituted in France’s UEFA Nations League game against Denmark but Ten Hag will hope to have him available at the earliest opportunity.
The first group of players are due back at United at the end of this month, with pre-season beginning on June 27. Players who have been involved in international fixtures will return in July.
It remains unclear which group Varane falls into but one thing’s clear – this summer is crucial for him and he cannot afford to sustain yet another injury.
Furthermore, there were promising reports earlier on Saturday when it emerged than Ten Hag was intent on improving Varane and Harry Maguire’s partnership, with Victor Lindelof seen as able competition.
