Raphael Varane accepts that Manchester United need to be more clinical in front of goal, but the French centre-back is convinced his teammates have the required quality to go all the way in the Champions League.
The former France international joined manager Erik ten Hag for pre-match media duties at Carrington on Monday afternoon.
United take on Galatasaray on Tuesday night in the Champions League, after losing their European opener against Bayern Munich in Bavaria.
The Turkish champions have players such as Lucas Torreira, Dries Mertens, Mauro Icardi and former United winger Wilfried Zaha in their squad and will prove to be tricky opponents for the struggling Reds.
United go into the game after losing four of their first seven Premier League matches this season. However, Varane still believes the Reds have enough quality to compete with the best teams in the Champions League.
Speaking to journalists at Carrington, Varane said (via Manchester Evening News): “I think the competition is about details. You have to be efficient to win it, in the last weeks, we can improve that, being better in front of goal. We need to create a lot to score and that’s the reality of the top level, you must be efficient to win trophies. We have the quality in the squad to win the competition but we have to improve.”
Although many fans will laugh at Varane’s claims, while agreeing with him when it comes to the lack of efficiency up front, he is someone of experience and calibre with four Champions League medals in his pocket.
Varane added: “Yes, I think so [can United win Champions League], the quality is in the squad. The competition is difficult, you have to take of every detail, but we have a team with quality, a good mentality. We have to make some improvements, it wasn’t the start to the season we expected, but I still believe we can compete with the best teams in the world.”
Ten Hag will be delighted to have Varane back fit after suffering another blow following Lisandro Martinez’ foot injury. As a result, the Argentine is likely to be ruled out for up to three months and the Dutchman needs to keep Varane fit at all costs.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
