Varane backs Man Utd to win the Champions League despite early season struggles

02 October 2023 , 12:27

708     0

Varane backs Man Utd to win the Champions League despite early season struggles

Raphael Varane reckons Manchester United can win the Champions League – despite their woeful start to the season.

United have lost four of their seven Premier League games and were also defeated in their opening group stage game in the Champions League, when they went down 4-3 at Bayern Munich.

‌Erik ten Hag's side face Galatasaray in the Champions League at Old Trafford tomorrow with Varane – a four-time winner of the competition – confident the current squad can go all the way.

“Yes, I think so, I think the quality is in the squad,” said Varane. "The competition is difficult, you have to take care of every detail, but we have a team of quality and of good mentality.

"We have to make some improvements, it was not the start to the season we expected, but I still believe we have the quality to compete with the best teams in the world. I think the competition is about details and you have to be efficient to win the competition.”

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

‌United lost 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, leaving Ten Hag's side down in 10th place in the table, with their form and confidence at rock-bottom.

‌Varane said: “In the last moments, we need more efficiency. It's a low number of occasions when we concede goals and we need to create a lot to score. That is reality of top level football - you need to be efficient to win trophies. We have the quality in the squad to win competitions. We have to move forward and improve.”

Man Utd's poor form continued at the weekend

‌Asked how he can help United's young players – Alejandro Garncaho, Facundo Pellistri, Hannibal Mejbri and Rasmus Hojlund – cope with the current crisis, Varane said he will use his experience to guide them through such a difficult period.

“I think they are doing well, they bring energy to the team, they are still learning and that is normal,” said Varane.‌ “For the players with more experience, it's important to lead by example and communicate with them about everything - how to be professional, how to play and to support them.

“So we have a lot to do and, as a leader, we have to show them and talk to them and that is what we have to do. Hopefully they can bring talent and passion on the pitch and that will be very helpful for the season. There are a lot of talents at the club.”

David McDonnell