Less than 24 hours before United’s first match of the season Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said this about Rafael Varane‘s situation, the deal was not “100 percent done”. United hadn’t “put all the dots over the i’s and crossed the t’s yet.”
Yet, around 10 mins to go for the kick-off against Leeds United, Varane was sensationally unveiled. In front of a packed Old Trafford crowd.
Varane emerged from the Old Trafford tunnel clutching a number 19 United shirt. He walked onto an astounding reception and a standing ovation by the fans.
“Unbelievable. This is very smart by Solskjaer.”
BT Sport pundit Joe Cole on Varane’s unveiling
The fans deserved this. This one move by Ole and United raised the noise levels and passion in the stadium to such a high level and combining it with United having a perfect start to their season by beating Leeds 5-1, this Saturday at Old Trafford couldn’t have been any perfect.
After clicking some photos holding the United shirt, he took a selfie with the ‘Stretford End’. Varane then went off the pitch to embrace another great United defender Rio Ferdinand. “Good luck my brother, good luck okay,” said Ferdinand. “Win, win, win.”
Varane’s former Real Madrid teammate and the Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to the big moment by replying “Grande” to Ferdinand’s post announcing the Frenchman’s arrival.
Raphael Varane has thanked Manchester United supporters for their warm reception at Old Trafford.
Varane arrives from Real Madrid for a bargain of about £34m. He looks ready to be a partner for Harry Maguire at the center of United’s defense and win trophies. The future looks bright.
Glory Glory Man United!