Varane: This is why I came here
Raphael Varane is proud of Manchester United's progression under Erik ten Hag and the centre-back has reiterated that weeks like this one are why he moved to England in the first place.
The Reds are preparing for a Europa League decider at Old Trafford against La Liga leaders Barcelona - who Rapha feels are the no.1 team on the planet right now - before Sunday's Carabao Cup final with top-four rivals Newcastle United.
It's a big few days for the squad and the manager, but something Rapha has hoped to be part of ever since his transfer from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.
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“I’m very proud,” Varane told club media when asked how he felt ahead of the two games.
“When I came here I wanted to work, to build a new project and to be back on the top.
“Now we are fighting against the best team in the world and we have a great opportunity to play a final.”
Varane, who retired from international football earlier this month, has been a key member of Ten Hag's side this season and United have lost just once with him in the starting line-up since October.
A run of 15 wins from the last 19 games has helped United climb the table to third and progress in all three cup competitions and the Frenchman sees no reason to limit what we should be targeting between now and the end of term.
“I think we can be proud of the last months and I think we’re getting better and better and we’re ambitious,” Rapha added.
“We have to keep going, to keep working and we want to achieve great things this season.
“We have to believe and hopefully at the end of the season we’ll be very happy.”