Raphael Varane makes fitness pledge to Manchester United before next season

Raphael Varane has vowed to come back fighting fit for pre-season training at Carrington as Manchester United prepare to return to the top table in Europe next season.

Having retired from international duty, the World Cup winner will play no part for France this month as they meet Gibraltar and Greece in two Euro 2024 qualifiers. Injuries aside, that means Varane will be able to put his feet up for the first time in 12 months to properly recuperate.

Varane, 30, missed an important stretch last campaign as he dealt with a foot problem, while his injury record over the years contributed to him calling it a day with Les Bleus after giving everything "mentally" and "physically" for his country.

Varane spoke about his international retirement and returning to the Champions League during a catch-up with MUFC media. He said: "Yeah, it has been a very long season and the last rest was in June last year! So yeah, I think it's important to charge the batteries and come back stronger.

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"I think, sometimes, it's the best work you can do. So I need to rest, too. As I say, come back stronger because the next season will be a big challenge and I'm very excited. So we have to be ready for it."

Varane, who arrived at Old Trafford two years ago after winning four Champions League medals with former club, Real Madrid, added: "It's very important [qualifying]. I think it's the standard of this club. Obviously, the league is very competitive, but that was very important, a big target and we achieved it. I'm happy to be back in the Champions League."

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