'He's a legend here' - Raphael Varane names Manchester United icon who helped shape his game

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has revealed he looked to Rio Ferdinand as he attempted to settle in the Premier League following his move from Real Madrid.

The Frenchman arrived at Old Trafford from Los Blancos in 2021, with the 29-year-old recently making his 50th appearance for the Reds. Varane has impressed since signing for United, but he has struggled with injury in the past couple of years. Despite this, he has already made 22 appearances for Erik ten Hag's side this season.

Varane, who won four Champions League titles with Madrid, has formed a solid partnership with Lisandro Martinez this term. The pair of both expected to start in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at the weekend.

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Former Reds manager Sir Alex Ferguson originally pursued a deal for the defender before his move to Madrid, and Jose Mourinho was also keen to sign the defender during his time at Old Trafford. Varane doesn't need to look too far for inspiration at United - and the centre-back has opened up about the influence Ferdinand has had on him.

When asked if Ferdinand was one of the players he looked at when joining United, Varane told club media: "Yeah, definitely. I think his partnership with [Nemanja] Vidic was impressive and he's a legend here, so obviously in my position, I was looking for him to know how to defend here in England because it's a special championship.

"He was impressive, so I learned a lot from him. He was very happy to welcome me and to share his experience."

Ferdinand made 455 appearances for United during his time at Old Trafford, with the English defender winning six Premier League titles, three League Cups and the