Raphael Varane says it will be ‘a big challenge’ to get Manchester United back on top

United haven’t won the Premier League since the 2012/13 season

Sarah Rendell
Sunday 19 September 2021 10:00 EDT
Comments
Centre-back Raphael Varane (right)signed for Manchester United this summer
Centre-back Raphael Varane (right)signed for Manchester United this summer (AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has admitted it will be a ‘big challenge’ to get the club back on top.

The Red Devils haven’t won a trophy since the 2017 Europa League and haven’t claimed the Premier League title since the 2012/13 season. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aiming for his first trophy since taking charge in 2018 and their league campaign has started well with three wins from four.

However, their Champions League ambitions stalled with a 2-1 defeat to Young Boys on Tuesday. Varane said while it will be tricky, players are determined to win.

“This is a new challenge for me,” he told Sky Sports. “A different competition, a different mentality, a different atmosphere. It’s all new for me but I’ve enjoyed every day so far.

“It’s a big challenge to get Manchester United back to the top but I feel people want to win, people want to do great things with this club, and that’s a big motivation for me.”

And he added he will improve his own game by being able to watch Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.

“I think he is the best example in the world in terms of work ethic and winning mentality. Playing with this type of player, you improve every day.

“If he is still playing to such a high level at his age, it’s because his work is amazing. I’m very happy to play with him.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in