Man Utd's Raphael Varane wipes out Liverpool star and posts image of it on Instagram

Raphael Varane changed the face of Manchester United’s defence on Monday night.

Having twiddled his thumbs on the bench during the humiliating defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, the four-time Champions League winner was finally unleashed for the Liverpool clash this week.

And while it might have been Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford who dominated the headlines for their goals in the impressive 2-1 win, it was the superb performance of United‘s Varane-led defence that truly made the difference.

With Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw swapped out for the dominant Frenchman and Tyrell Malacia, the base of Erik ten Hag’s side looked transformed from the incoherent mess that had kicked off the new campaign.

You really did get the feeling that the mere presence of Varane pervaded a sense of confidence amongst the United back-line, cutting a stark contrast to the unease radiated by Maguire and his disappointing form.

The proof was in the pudding, too, with Varane producing a superb set of statistics with SofaScore clocking him in at four tackles, eight clearances, two interceptions and 100% of aerial duels won.

Even one of few blemishes on Varane’s number sheet from the Liverpool win, earning a booking after 27 minutes, was a cause for celebration amongst United fans due to the manner in which he picked it up.

Don’t get it twisted, getting slapped with a yellow card in less than half an hour is seldom something to shout about, but perhaps an exception can be made when it sends a clear message to an opponent.

And that’s exactly what Varane gave to Luis Diaz as he essentially turned the Liverpool magician into a rag doll with a move that might well have earned a booking, but most certainly showed what he’s all about.

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