Raphael Varane, who joined Manchester United from Real Madrid less than a year ago, may find it difficult to maintain his spot in the starting lineup after Erik ten Hag added a central defender this summer.
The Manchester United locker room has already embraced Erik ten Hag's fresh concepts and fashion sense, according to Raphael Varane.
Ten Hag was named the Red Devils' manager at the conclusion of the previous year, and was given the difficult assignment of rescuing United after their worst-ever Premier League campaign. And the early indications are promising, with 11 goals scored and just one goal allowed in his first three preseason games.
Ten Hag is starting to make an impact off the field in addition to his performance on it. Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, and Lisandro Martinez are the three players that the Dutchman has so far signed, and they have all arrived at Old Trafford.
The final member of that three seemed destined to put Varane's role as a regular starter under pressure. When healthy, the Frenchman, who was acquired from Real Madrid last summer, was a surefire starter opposite captain Harry Maguire.
Varane's position, however, seems to be in jeopardy after it was announced that Maguire would continue to serve as captain and that Martinez had been brought in to "develop the team, not the squad." The World Cup winner, though, is enjoying working for the new manager and the increased competition he now has without harboring any bitterness.
In his interview with Sport, he said, "I think a new manager, with fresh ideas and a new style, [he] is very enthusiastic and he wants this energy and to press high on the pitch, to keep pressing and to be proactive for 90 minutes.
Erik ten Hag has pleased Raphael Varane, who thinks the Man United players are adopting his philosophy.
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"We are well aware of our responsibilities, and I believe that we must work extremely hard. When we lost a few games, we lost our confidence, which is something that is crucial.
"There are many things, in my opinion, that we could do better, and we certainly want to get better for the upcoming season. We need to be more consistent and confident."
Varane continued: "The team benefits from competition. Harry is a crucial component for us. He's the captain, thus it goes without saying that he has many positive traits.
Varane anticipates the increased competition. Next term, Lisandro Martinez will give
Varane anticipates the increased competitiveness Lisandro Martinez will bring in the upcoming term "With this competition, the squad will constantly get better.This is how every great club is. It's a good sign if everyone wants to battle for the group."
Injury setbacks prevented the 29-year-old from forging an effective connection with Maguire during his dismal debut season in English football. Varane's departure from the Bernabeu also meant that he gave up winning the Champions League in favor of not making the tournament at all.
When asked if he regretted joining United, he replied: "Without a doubt, no. You have to push yourself and work to get better in football. After ten years in the same town, I was ready for a new experience.
"Manchester United is a tremendous club, and the Premier League is just fantastic. My choice had no room for question."
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