Top 5 Raphael Varane Moments at Manchester United as French icon calls time on career

Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from football today (September 25), bringing an end to an illustrious playing career. He started with Lens in France before becoming a four-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid. The Frenchman left the Santiago Bernabeu for Old Trafford in August 2021 for £30 million.

During his three-year spell with the club, Varane, 31, was adored by Red Devils fans. He was a Rolls-Royce at the back, displaying passion, experience, knowledge and serving up some memorable moments. We take a look at his best moments with United as he hangs up his boots.

Welcome to Manchester United

Raphael Varane was suited and booted as he took to the Old Trafford pitch for the first time as a Manchester United player on August 14, 2021. He was paraded in front of a capacity crowd ahead of the Red Devils' 5-1 win over arch-rivals Leeds United.

The 2018 World Cup winner held a United shirt aloft with his name and shirt number (19) as he was welcomed to the club in style. He had all the swagger of a winner as the iconic Rio Ferdinand alluded to on commentary with BT Sport.

Varane took a selfie on the Old Trafford turf before giving a thumbs-up to photographers, an unveiling that suggested the Reds had signed a megastar. The stadium was raucous, and arguably, the positivity from the 93-cap France international's introduction inspired the thrashing of Leeds.

Debut Delight

Raphael Varane made his debut for Manchester United in a 1-0 win over Wolves on 29 August, 2021. It was a debut to remember for the legendary French defender as he got to grips with the intensity of the Premier League at Molineaux.

The former Madrid man came to the fore by providing the assist for Mason Greenwood's 80th minute winner. He played a slick long ball forward to the Englishman who fired past Portuguese goalkeeper Jose Sa to give United all three points.

Varane spoke to club media after the game about his debut and was delighted to get going in Red Devil colors. He said:

""The feeling is absolutely amazing. The Premier League is very intense. The game it’s very fast and you know when you play this game, you are very concentrated and it’s very intense. I came here for that feeling.”"

- Raphael Varane

Wembley Wildness

Manchester United ended a six-year trophy drought to lift the Carabao Cup at Wembley on 26 February, 2023. Raphael Varane partnered Lisandro Martinez in defence and the heroic duo were at their best, putting out fires and shutting up shop for Erik ten Hag's side.

Casemiro gave United the lead with a thumping header before Marcus Rashford struck with a tidy finish. Varane made four clearances, and won one ground duel and all three of his aerial duels. His winning mentality from his Madrid days helped steer the team to victory and get his hands on yet more silverware.

Leading by Example

Raphael Varane remained a stalwart at the back in his third season with Manchester United and kickstarted the campaign with a 1-0 win against Wolves (14 August, 2023). He headed home a late winner to give his side all three points.

The veteran centre-back had announced his international retirement in February of that year. He made clear issues with the footballing schedule and how it would have a detrimental effect on players' longevity which is a statement that holds up given how his Como spell ended prematurely.

Varane also prioritised the importance of representing United by calling time on his France career. He wanted to remain fit and help the team which is testament to his character and how highly he admired the Red Devils.

Definitely not a French Exit

It had become clear at the end of the 2023-24 campaign that Raphael Varane was leaving Manchester United. His contract was up and the Reds had decided not to offer him an extension.

Varane was emotional as he bid farewell to the club with a video posted on his social media. He said:

""It's been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt.. I fell in love with the club and fans. You have to play for Manchester United to understand what that represents.""

- Raphael Varane

Varane's United story didn't end there as he was given a fairytale departure in his final game with the club. Martinez spent most of the season injured but the duo were able to line up together one last time in the FA Cup final.

The Red Devils went on to win the trophy with an unlikely 2-1 win over cross-city rivals Manchester City (25 May, 2024). Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were on target for the Reds while Varane and Martinez put in a dogged display to take Ten Hag's side to the trophy.

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