2 years ago
Raphael Varane was like a "rabbit in headlights" during his first season at Manchester United, according to Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand claimed that switching from Real Madrid to Manchester United would have been a great shock for the French World Cup champion.
Raphael Varane's debut season at Manchester United was openly discussed by Rio Ferdinand.
Varane had an injury-plagued first season at Old Trafford.
Varane battled for consistency during his debut season at Old Trafford, which was marred by injuries.
Following his £42 million transfer from LaLiga giants, the 29-year-old only appeared in 22 Premier League outings.
Varane would have found himself in a "strange setting" when he arrived at Manchester United, Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel.
"He went from one team - the honors there tell you it was a functioning team at the top level, with all players consistently playing to their maximum - to an absolute reversal situation where the team has zero functionality, no confidence, no guidance, and no structure of where they're going," he said.
"He walked into an alien scenario where he said, 'I haven't seen anything like this since I was in young football.'" On a daily level, going from that world-class operating system, ethos, and standard to what is at Manchester United is a massive, huge leap." Varane will be fully aware, Ferdinand continued, that he has not yet reached the heights anticipated of a four-time Champions League winner.
"He's probably sitting there like a rabbit in headlights thinking "wow, what is this?"," he continued." He hasn't been the player we anticipated... he would tell you that, but he wouldn't say anything else.
"'I've got to up the stakes next year,' he'll remark. 'I require assistance.'" Varane's position in the team, though, could be jeopardized under new coach Erik ten Hag.
Jurrien Timber and Pau Torres, both centre-backs, have already been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.
After an entire campaign to settle in the North West, the Frenchman will be eager to kick on next term.
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