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Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd dream realised 11 years later as Phil Jones starts alongside Raphael Varane against Wolves

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S Manchester United dream was finally realised with Phil Jones and Raphael Varane starting together.

The defensive duo lined up alongside each other for the Red Devils’ home match against Wolves on Monday – 11 years after Fergie tried to unite them originally.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd dream has finally been realisedCredit: Getty
It comes 11 years after he tried to unite Raphael Varane and Phil JonesCredit: Getty
The pair will play together for the first time in the Prem against Wolves on Monday nightCredit: Rex

Ferguson was desperate to sign Varane from Lens in 2011 but Real Madrid swooped and nicked him from under United’s noses.

And that was not long before the legendary Scot said Jones could be ‘one of the best players United have ever had’.

Jones has not played in the Prem since January 2020 but has impressed new boss Ralf Rangnick in training and has been on the bench in recent weeks.

And with Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof all out for Wolves’ visit, the forgotten man joined Varane.

Speaking in his autobiography, Fergie said of Varane: “In 2011, I hurtled down on the train from Euston to Lille to sign the young French defender Raphael Varane.

“David Gill was getting into the finer points of the contract with Lens, Varane’s club, when Zinedine Zidane got wind of it and somehow scooped him up for Real Madrid from under our noses.

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“I don’t think Jose Mourinho, who was managing Real Madrid, had even seen Varane play.”

And speaking after United’s 2012-13 Premier League win, Fergsuon gushed about Jones.

He said: “Jones, arguably the way he is looking, could be our best ever player.

⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

“I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him.

“At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.

“He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him.”

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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