Ole excited to end decade-long wait for Varane debut
OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer says “class act” Raphael Varane was always destined to play for Manchester United.
FranceWorld Cup winner Varane, who joined from Real Madrid for £34million, is set to make his debut at Southampton tomorrow.
Sir Alex Ferguson tried to signVarane for United when the defender left Lens in 2011, but he opted to join Real, where he won four Champions League crowns and three La Liga titles.
A decade on, Solskjaer claimed Varane always had a desire to play for United and said the 28-year-old had fulfilled a career ambition by finally joining.
Solskjaer said: “We were close 10 years ago.
“He did have a little bit of a feeling for Manchester United and we’ve definitely had feelings for him for many,
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2.30PM TOMORROW, SKY SPORTS
many years. Everything about him is class.”
United beat Southampton home and away last season, including a 9-0 win at Old Trafford.
But with a full house at St Mary’s Stadium for the first time in 18 months, Solskjaer knows Saints will be a tougher proposition tomorrow.
He said: “I don’t know how many points we won from going 1-0 down away, but you can’t afford to do that with fans in the stadium when you’re the away team.” Solskjaer revealed goalkeeper Dean Henderson, left, is still building up his fitness after being struck with Covid. Not all of United’s players have been doubled vaccinated and Solskjaer said: “We want everyone double jabbed, but it’s up to them.” DAVID McDONNELL