Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Raphael Varane must have been in shock at Manchester United’s questionable set-up after joining from Real Madrid last summer.
At the Bernabeu, Varane won the lot – including four UEFA Champions League triumphs – but he spent last season with a United side that went its fifth year without winning a single trophy.
The Frenchman arrived at Old Trafford a year ago but endured a disappointing first season disrupted by several injuries, most of which occurred whilst on international duty to the annoyance of fans.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five show via YouTube, Ferdinand said Varane must have been stunned by the awful state of the club last term.
He said: “He went from one team – the honours there tell you it was a functioning team at the top level, all players playing to their maximum consistently – and went into an absolute reverse situation where the team has zero functionality, no confidence, no guidance and no structure of where they’re going.
“He went into an alien scenario where he’s going ‘I have not seen this since youth team football’. To go from that world-class operating and culture and standard on a daily basis to what is at Manchester United is a huge, huge shift.
“He’s probably sitting there like a rabbit in the headlights thinking ‘wow, what is this?’ He hasn’t been the player we expected… he would tell you that, he couldn’t tell you anything else. He’ll be saying “I’ve got to up the levels next year. I need help.”
Footage courtesy of Vibe with Five
I’m sure it was a wake-up call for more players than Varane.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been a winner throughout his career, really got to experience proper mediocrity.
I hope it frightens them into the right direction ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge.
Let us know in the comments section if you think Varane will have a stronger season next term?
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