'A big part of my game you can't see on TV' - Raphael Varane on preparing for Erling Haaland as one of Manchester United's leaders

Before he strode onto the Old Trafford pitch in his navy two-piece on the opening day of last season, Raphael Varane had prepared for the demands of a Manchester United defender.

Varane requested clips of United's infamous set-piece defending from the previous season while he was in the France camp during the European Championship. After a galling first season, Varane has helped United record the most clean sheets in the Premier League in his second season.

Varane's move to United was a long time coming - a decade on from Sir Alex Ferguson's vain visit to the teenager's home in Lens. The August 2021 transfer was delayed by quarantining and then an issue flagged during the medical; serious enough it was not beyond the realms of possibility the deal could have collapsed.

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There was a redraft of the paperwork and Varane, who had already bid farewell to the players and staff at Real Madrid, was paraded by United prior to their thrashing of Leeds, scenes reminiscent of Bryan Robson's on-pitch unveiling in 1981.

Varane, like Robson, is one of United's leaders. The phlegmatic Frenchman turned impromptu cheerleader at the conclusion of the Old Trafford derby in January, eliciting roars from the Sir Alex Ferguson stand every time he raised his arms; choreography worthy of the Royal Salute at Buckingham Palace.

Varane did it again at full-time against Barcelona a month later. It cannot be a coincidence this Madridista of 10 years savoured victories over Pep Guardiola and Barcelona.

"I really enjoy playing here for Man United, playing in England and feeling good with my teammates, having a good connection with the fans," Varane says in the academy building at United's