RAPHAEL VARANE has studied clips of Manchester United defending set-pieces so he can hit the ground running when he joins, according to reports.
The Real Madrid defender looks set to move to Old Trafford this summer, and he’s already looking into where they can improve.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Varane has been studying United’s defending from last season.
And has specifically requested footage of their set-piece organisation.
The four-time Champions League winner was told it would be a waste of time, as United were poor at defending set-piece situations last season, despite finishing second.
Man Utd have already taken matters into their own hands by appointing Eric Ramsey as their set-piece coach.
Varane, alongside club captain Harry Maguire, would form a formidable centre-back partnership.
Both possess leadership qualities, are dominant in a tackle and in the air, which is just what United need.
And as SunSport understands, Man Utd and Real are nearing an agreement over a fee believed to be in the region of £40million for the Frenchman.
Personal terms with 28-year-old Varane are believed to be already agreed.
We’ve signed a genuine world-class centre back. His list of honours is ridiculous, it’s as long as my arm.
Rio Ferdinand
United legend Rio Ferdinand – who formed a legendary partnership with Nemanja Vidic – is excited by the potential signing and the project that is at hand under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said: “What a signing. There’s been talk in the transfer market since it opened up – it must have come from the player.
“He must have wanted to leave, and be part of the new Man United way, the project that’s going ahead.
“With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signing a new deal, Sancho coming in – the talent they’ve got there, the ability to play alongside Maguire after he did so well at the Euros probably played a part.
“I just think he sees this as a better project than what he’s got at Real Madrid now.”
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Ferdinand also praised United’s ‘assertive’ approach in the transfer market.
He continued: “United have been criticised in the past, and rightly so, for dilly-dallying in the market.
“This one they were assertive, they went for their man and they got him. No doubt in my mind, he would have said to Real Madrid ‘I need it, I want it, I have to go.'”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
