Solskjaer raves about 'winner' Varane
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has outlined his delight at the prospect of "proven winner" Raphael Varane playing at Old Trafford next season.
Manchester United announced on Tuesday that the club has agreed a fee with Real Madrid for 28-year-old Varane, with the transfer set to be wrapped up after the completion of player terms and a medical.
Varane is a four-time Champions League-winning defender who lifted the 2018 World Cup with France. Solskjaer explained to reporters after our exciting 2-2 friendly draw with Brentford that he is excited about the deal.
“Of course, I’m very happy that we’ve managed to get the deal with Real Madrid,” the boss said.
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“He’s a proven winner and a player we've followed for many, many years. I know Sir Alex was very, very close to signing him and this time around we’ve got him at the other end of his career.
“He’s proved over his whole career what a good person he is, first of all. [He's a] professional and he's won all there is to win.”
With Varane set to be the second major new arrival at the club in a matter of weeks, Solskjaer believes United have shown their high level of ambition.
“I’m very happy getting both our players in,” he said.
“First of all, the club has shown ambition with getting one of the most exciting young forwards in world football [Jadon Sancho], and one of the most respected centre-backs and one of the most winning centre-backs in the world.
“With him in, we’ve got different ways of playing of course, and I can see different ways of playing with Raphael. I can't wait to get him in and hopefully we can get that sorted as soon as.”
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The signing of Varane requires a few final details, including the completion of a medical. Continued restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic mean that could take some days to organise. Solskjaer explained that there are a few hoops to jump through still.
“From what I know, the club is working on the quickest possible solution to get everything sorted,” he explained.
“I don't know the timescale on it yet. Of course, there is a visa coming into England, with Brexit and quarantining. Everything has to be done as quick as possible, but by the book.”