Raphael Varane names his Manchester United player of the season

Raphael Varane has backed David de Gea to be Manchester United's player of the season after the goalkeeper's stellar performances during a difficult campaign.

It's been a year to forget for United, who have stretched their trophy drought to five season and will miss out on Champions League qualification as well.

Victory against Brentford on Monday was only United's 16th in 36 Premier League games this term and Varane is one of few players to emerge from the season with any credit.

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Injuries have restricted the World Cup winner to just 28 appearances, however, and the club's player of the season award is now effectively a two-horse race between De Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo.

De Gea has produced a string of fine performances to save United from further humiliation, while Ronaldo has scored 24 goals in 37 games on his return to Old Trafford, but Varane's vote will go to his goalkeeper.

"David is having an amazing season. He helped us a lot. I think he has experience and he's an amazing goalkeeper," he said.

Varane might have been in the running himself but for the injuries which have kept him sidelined for 17 games during the season, but having only signed for the club on the eve of this season, he is confident he will fare better with a pre-season under his belt.

"I think I need a full pre-season to be fit but I think next season will be better," he said. "I think this season was not bad but we can improve and we can do better."

United signed off from Old Trafford with the win against Brentford and now bring the curtain down on their season with games on the road against Brighton and Crystal Palace.

United look assured of Europa League football next