Raphael Varane excited by Erik ten Hag arrival and sees better times for Man Utd

Raphael Varane is excited by the impending arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag and believes Manchester United can bounce back from a frustrating season by challenging for trophies next term.

Having finished runners-up in last season’s Premier League and Europa League, a feeling of progress and hope was fuelled as stadiums returned to full capacities and new faces bolstered the squad.

Varane was paraded in front of Old Trafford’s first full house in 17 months ahead of the season opener against Leeds and watched his new club run amok 5-1 against their rivals.

Former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival only heightened expectation but United soon ran aground, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer exiting and interim boss Ralf Rangnick struggling to turn things around.

The Old Trafford giants are set to end a poor campaign by missing out on Champions League qualification but Varane, who has won trophies aplenty with France and Madrid, is confident next season will be better.

“It’s been a frustrating season,” he told the PA news agency after scoring in Monday’s 3-0 victory against Brentford.

“I think it’s good to finish at home in Old Trafford with a win.

“We have to keep pushing and to fight until the end for our fans, so it was a great attitude from the team and an emotional day.

“We want to finish the season with something positive and we have to play for our fans and for our pride.

“I think we can improve (defensively). I think we have good players and we have to defend together closer.

“I think this season we were a little bit irregular and I think we can improve and do better next season.