‘I’d love to watch a game with United fans,’ says Varane
DEFENDER Raphael Varane has waxed lyrical about the importance of United’s supporters, admitting that he would like to experience attending a match sat among them.
The Frenchman, who has been a colossus at the back for the Reds this season, joined the club from Real Madrid in August 2021 and quickly cemented himself as a fans’ favourite.
He has regularly interacted with the supporters from the pitch, highlighted by his reaction at the end of United’s 2-1 win over neighbours City at Old Trafford earlier this month.
Having spent a decade at Madrid, Varane, who was an unused substitute during Wednesday night’s 3-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, is used to playing in front of passionate supporters, meaning the desire and desperation to win from United’s fans is nothing new to him. And he has now addressed their passion, admitting that he would like to watch a game with them.
“Yes, definitely,” Varane told United’s club website when asked if he would like to join the fans for a game. “I think if you really have this passion for the football, I think it is an amazing experience.”
United’s upturn in fortunes under Erik ten Hag this season has meant that a tight bond between the players and supporters has been redeveloped. The Dutchman has brought the club back together to create a united feeling among everyone.
“I think it is a great relationship, I think there is a good connection with our fans,” Varane continued. “The atmosphere for this season is something amazing.
“I think it is a real support when we want to score a goal, when we have to defend the score, so I think it is very helpful when we are on the pitch. It is like having one more player.”
On what the fans bring to the table, the centre-back added: “Yes, I think during matches, sometimes it is important to feel the energy, sometimes we need it and especially when you are a little bit tired and you want to win the game.
“I think it is very helpful and, yes, we can feel the support and the connection when we do some movement to activate the support, they always respond and that is a great feeling. That’s extra energy and it’s very important. I think the connection is something special at the moment.”