Arguably, Man United’s biggest need this summer is a centre-back, with Raphael Varane the name that is popping up most often.
Harry Maguire needs a partner. Our defensive mistakes were prominent all season and it’s somewhat fitting that the goal we’d concede in the Europa League final summed everything up.
Raphael Varane seems to be the main target in that area, with Mundo Deportivo (Thursday print edition), translated by Sport Witness, giving us a small update in that regard.
The story is actually based on a potential Ream Madrid move for David Alaba, whom they say his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu is ‘imminent’.
That, in turn, could mean Varane is available. According to the story from MD, it’s claimed United are ‘very interested’ in signing the 28-year-old this summer. Madrid will ask for £60m (€70m), to let the superstar Frenchman leave.
Varane’s current contract expires in the summer of 2022, though it’s stressed there is a renewal offer on the table for the former Lens man.
It goes without saying, Varane would immediately become our best centre-half if he was signed this summer. He’s great in the air, has good pace and can play off either foot. On paper, the Frenchman feels like the ideal partner for Maguire.

At this point, I’d argue sealing a deal for someone like Varane is far more important than pursuing a move for Jadon Sancho or Harry Kane. Sure, both would be great additions but our defence is in tatters at the moment. We simply have to fix that if we’re serious about challenging for major honours.
I wouldn’t expect to happen until after the European Championships, though…
Would a Man United move for Raphael Varane make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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