Solskjaer delighted as Man Utd almost half Varane asking price

Matt Stead
Raphael Varane

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels that Raphael Varane could inspire a Manchester United title challenge this upcoming season.

Solskjaer is under pressure to deliver silverware to Old Trafford after a four-year drought, almost half of which he has been manager for.

The Norwegian has reached four semi-finals and took Manchester United to a Europa League final defeat to Villarreal on penalties in May, concluding a season that also saw them finish as runners-up to Manchester City, albeit behind the Premier League champions by 12 points.

Varane’s imminent arrival from Real Madrid may help close that gap.

Manchester United believe the world champion centre-half ‘will be a key addition in their attempts to end their eight-year wait for the league title,’ with Solskjaer specifically happy that his signing will allow him to oversee more positive tactical changes.

‘Solskjaer considers Varane to be central to his plans as he attempts to bolster central defence and, in turn, play a more attack-minded midfield,’ writes James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph.

‘Solskjaer favoured two midfield pivots in a lot of matches last season but hopes to operate with just one defensive midfielder in more matches next season and considers the arrival of a fast, experienced centre-back to be key to that.’

It is thought that the capture of potential signing of the summer Varane along with Jadon Sancho ‘will significantly boost United’s chances of challenging for the Premier League title next season.’

The Varane deal is also seen as a notable achievement for new director of football John Murtough, who helped in the difficult negotiations.

Manchester United approached the talks tentatively after their pursuit of Sergio Ramos in 2015 led to the Spaniard improving and extending his contract with Real Madrid.

Fearful of history repeating itself, the club took a cautious stance throughout negotiations but reached a breakthrough over the weekend.

Varane will sign a four-year deal with the option of a further year, with Manchester United paying an initial £34.2m and up to £8.6m in add-ons.

That is a significant fall from the £60m Real wanted, but The Times say they ‘will accept a lower fee because of the limited time left on his contract and their need to raise funds’.