Ten Hag backs Varane to flourish

The 29-year-old was unveiled as a United player to the Old Trafford crowd prior to last season's opening fixture against Leeds United and he went on to make 29 appearences for the Reds in his debut campaign at the club.

Now, with focus fully on our season opener against Brighton tomorrow afternoon, Ten Hag has insisted a lot of hard work has gone into carefully devising a training routine that works for Varane.

“100 per cent, I am convinced of that,” began our Dutch boss, when asked if the best is yet to come from Raphael.

“During pre-season we built a real careful and individual training plan that in the last three weeks he has been involved in every session on the pitch.

“I am really happy about that.”

A four-time Champions League winner, the former Real Madrid defender has won almost everything you can win in the game, including various honours at both international and club level. 

With new recruit Lisandro Martinez offering even more competition at centre-back this season, Ten Hag has lauded praise the way of the Frenchman, insisting he is impressed by what he has seen so far.

“You see him growing, his fitness levels and also his performances levels too,” he added.

“I am happy about that as at the moment, Rapha will be fit and it is a huge boost for both the squad and the team.”