Varane was close to Man Utd 10 years ago, claims Solskjaer

Having left Real Madrid after ten years, Raphael Varane joined Manchester United on a £34 million

last week. The French defender will experience working in a different league, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his character is perfect for playing at Old Trafford.

"It’s no secret that we were close - or we were in there - when he left to Real Madrid 10 years ago," 

Solskjaer told United's

.

"Sir Alex was in there speaking to them and we were close.

"Ever since his performances on the pitch, his demeanour and behaviour off the pitch, it tells me that that’s a Man United player. And we managed to convince him to have the feeling of Man United.

"I think that’s been in his heart ever since he went to Real Madrid as well. I think he had a little bit of a feeling for Man United. We definitely have had feelings for him for many, many years."

Varane featured in 360 matches for Real Madrid during his 10-year stay at the Spanish club. Having won several domestic and European trophies at Santiago Bernabeu, the 28-year-old is set to bring much-needed experience to Solskjaer’s squad.

“The Champions League wins he’s had, the World Cup wins… everything about him is class,"

the Norwegian manager added.

“He’s a quick, strong defender, good in the air, he can play with both feet.

“The short answer is everything about him is what you want. He’s been humble, he’s been inquisitive. He asks questions. He doesn’t want to learn by a mistake in the game, he wants to learn it on the training field before he comes on the pitch. Everything about him has been impressive"

Varane is reportedly ready to play for the Red Devils in their upcoming league match against Southampton on Sunday.

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