Raphael Varane: French defender reflects on victorious Manchester United debut

Raphael Varane enjoyed the intensity of the Premier League, as he helped to keep Wolves at bay during his successful debut for Manchester United.

The 28-year-old France international adapted to his new surroundings effortlessly and registered an assist for Mason Greenwood’s late winner at Molineux.

We grabbed a word with Varane after the final whistle, and it was clear the former Real Madrid defender was delighted to have made a victorious bow for the Reds.

Q: Rapha, you’ve made your debut for Manchester United. What was it like for you?

A: “A good feeling! I was very, very happy to be here and to help the team get this victory. The feeling is absolutely amazing. The Premier League is very intense. The game it’s very fast and you know when you play this game, you are very concentrated and it’s very intense. I came here for that feeling.”

Q: What was the difference – the atmosphere or the intensity and speed of the play?

A: “Both. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the game is very fast. You have a lot of action during the game. You have to be focused and very concentrated because it never stops. It’s attack, attack, counter-attack and it’s very fast.”

You played alongside Harry Maguire. How do you feel that partnership is going to develop?

“Very good. He’s a good player. We had good communication, that’s very important, and the same spirit: to fight and to win the game.”

Q: David De Gea’s double save was incredible, wasn’t it?

A: “Yeah! Amazing save, he’s a top goalkeeper and today he helped the team.”

Q: There were thousands of United fans here. Was it good to see them for the first time?

A: “Yeah, very good. It was a good atmosphere, and they gave us good help during the game. When it’s hard, we need fans and we have very good support from our fans.”

Those fans are very happy about Cristiano Ronaldo coming back to United. As he’s your former team-mate, what do you think about it?

“I am very happy. He’s a legend and all players can learn when you play with him. It’s a great help for all players, for all young players, and of course he never stops scoring goals, so he will help the team.”

MANUTD.COM