Man Utd: £275k-a-week star can play ‘big role’ at Old Trafford

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane ‘can play a big role’ for the club this season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 29-year-old has firmly established himself in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI in the opening weeks of the current campaign, forming a very promising partnership alongside Lisandro Martinez.

Varane was left out of United’s first Premier League game of 2022/23 against Brighton & Hove Albion before being brought on at half-time in the 4-0 thrashing by Brentford the following week.

The France international then started the Red Devils’ subsequent four top-flight fixtures, playing a pivotal part as they recorded four consecutive victories to transform their fortunes.

United only leaked two goals in those games while keeping two clean sheets, but an injury setback has seen Varane reduced to a substitute’s role in their previous three fixtures.

Ten Hag will surely be eager for the World Cup winner to stay off the treatment table for the remainder of the season, allowing his relationship with Martinez to go from strength to strength.

Varane’s form has been a key factor behind United’s upturn in results and performances, showcasing the ability he displayed at Real Madrid for several years.

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Jones believes that it’s ‘too early’ to tell what level the centre-back will reach for the Old Trafford outfit this season but that he will be determined to help the club reach their previous heights.

He told GiveMeSport: “It’s too early to tell what level he will get to this season, but I genuinely think he can play a big role and will want to be part of the turnaround if he gets enough games.”

Former United