Raphael Varane has given Manchester United a problem they should have foreseen

There might not be much for Manchester United to boast about this season, but there is one crumb of comfort to console themselves with as they head into another pivotal summer which will shape the future of their club.

A year ago, it was a similar feeling as United headed into the summer window looking to build upon their momentum and turn their jog into a sprint ahead of an expected title challenge. Instead, they fell flat on their faces, having forgotten to tie their shoelaces, failing to capitalise on the renewed positivity that came with a stellar summer of transfer business.

While there is still a need for further investment this time around, United do deserve genuine credit for their recruitment last year, as they added three top-class talents to their squad, as well as veteran keeper Tom Heaton.

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Jadon Sancho has already shown signs he can become a world-class winger for the best part of the next decade. Cristiano Ronaldo has provided big moments on a regular basis, but perhaps the most impressive acquisition has been that of Raphael Varane.

The 28-year-old has been United's best centre-back this season and has brought much-needed experience to a backline that is well known for its frailties, becoming one of the most important players in the first-team squad. Of United's 11 defeats this season, only four have come when Varane started the match — and only two of those came when he started alongside club captain Harry Maguire.

Both defeats to Man City, the humiliating losses at Leicester and Watford, and the home drubbing by Liverpool all occurred when Varane was out of the squad through illness or injury. That in itself highlights both