Raphael Varane has been talking to reporters ahead of the eagerly awaited Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle on Sunday.
The World Cup winner has explained how studying club legend Rio Ferdinand’s game helped him settle in England, which isn’t a surprise since the latter was a centre-back ahead of his time.
Varane has gone on to build a solid partnership with Lisandro Martinez this season and, for the first time in years, fans can confidently say the team is defending well.
The Frenchman was brilliant again on Thursday night against Barcelona as United reached the last 16. His last-minute goal line clearance helped us to a 2-1 win over the best team in Spain.
When asked if Ferdinand was one of the players he looked at after joining United, Varane told club media, as per the Manchester Evening News: “Yeah, definitely. I think his partnership with [Nemanja] Vidic was impressive and he’s a legend here, so obviously in my position, I was looking for him to know how to defend here in England because it’s a special championship.
“He was impressive, so I learned a lot from him. He was very happy to welcome me and to share his experience.”
United will be looking to end a six-year wait for a trophy this weekend. Varane and Martinez will be key at the back.
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