“They are…” Raphaël Varane names Marcus Rashford among three “extraordinary” Manchester United ex-teammates

Raphaël Varane has admitted he thought that Marcus Rashford was one of three “extraordinary” teammates during his time at Manchester United.

Raphaël Varane joined Manchester United in the summer of 2021 alongside Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, in what was expected to be a promising season under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

However, Solskjær was dismissed just months later, with Michael Carrick stepping in temporarily before Ralf Rangnick took charge on an interim basis. The following summer, Erik ten Hag was appointed as the club’s new permanent manager.

Varane began the 2022/23 campaign as Ten Hag’s first-choice centre-back alongside Lisandro Martínez. However, a series of injuries and a disagreement with the Dutchman saw the French World Cup winner lose his place in the team. He ultimately left the club in 2024.

Despite his departure, United fans hold Varane in high regard, as he helped the club lift both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. The defender has spoken fondly of his time at Old Trafford, maintaining a strong connection with the club.

Following persistent knee problems, Varane decided to retire after leaving United, with the 2024 FA Cup final serving as the final match of his illustrious career.

Varane names three extraordinary United players

Varane has shared dressing rooms with some of the greatest players and talents of all time such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka at Real Madrid, while he played with those such as Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann at an international level in France.

However, speaking to The Athletic, Varane has revealed he also feels there were three “extraordinary” players he had the pleasure of playing with at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and David de Gea were at their peaks while Varane was a part of the Old Trafford squad between 2021 and 2024, and the former French international has explained that it was this trio who were able to pull magic from their talent at any given moment.

“Even in difficult moments, they are capable of doing extraordinary things,” he said about the former United trio during the extensive interview.

“It’s difficult to perform well individually when the team is struggling. You have to be very very strong.”

What Varane said about Rashford’s Villa loan

Since Varane departed Old Trafford, De Gea has left and joined Serie A side Fiorentina, while Rashford is currently on loan at Premier League rivals Aston Villa, although Bruno Fernandes is now the captain under Amorim.

Read More: Raphaël Varane lifts lid on Erik ten Hag’s banishment of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and himself

Speaking further, Varane was asked how he feels about Rashford’s loan to Villa, to which he admitted he has mixed views on the fact Rashford joined another club so close to Manchester

“Staying for so many years with this level of intensity and demand, years when the overall atmosphere is often negative because performances are below expectations, it’s very, very difficult,” Varane, who played for Real Madrid for 10 years, explained.

“For him to change his environment is positive. He is someone who loves the club and who gives everything for the shirt. But I’m surprised he’s going (to a club) so close to Manchester. I imagined him going further than a few kilometres away.”

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