Manchester United defender Raphael Varane explains how he's avoided injury issues this season

Raphael Varane believes his Manchester United season is "going well" because he had the benefit of a full pre-season.

Varane was regularly sidelined with different injuries last term, including groin and hamstring problems, but he's started 17 games in the Premier League this time around and he's been available for selection more often than not.

Lisandro Martinez and Varane have also developed a formidable partnership in the centre of the defence and their performances have helped United keep 11 clean sheets in the league, which is the second most in the division.

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The Frenchman retired from international football in February due to the demanding fixture list and it's hoped that decision will allow the player, who celebrates his 30th birthday next month, to remain injury-free in the final stage of his career.

Varane thinks that will be key and, in an interview with GQ Magazine, he spoke of the importance of his preparation. "This season is going well because I had a full pre-season. How long has it been since that happened to me?" he said ironically.

“The last seasons we have always finished later and started earlier. We didn't have time to work physically and we just recovered when we weren't playing. So you can do this for a few seasons.

"But after a while either you have a crash and you are no longer recognised for 6 months or a year in the field, or you get injured. That's what happens to all great players and that's what I want to avoid.

“The closer you get to 30, the more you think about it [retirement]. Since I was seven, I have been playing football so inevitably there is a little apprehension but no fear. Like every major decision in life, it