Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd star told he is ‘the complete package’ ahead of World Cup final showdown

Man Utd trio Bruno Fernandes, Rapaehl Varane and Harry Maguire

Ian Wright is concerned about the form of one Man Utd player

Toni Kroos has described Manchester United defender Raphael Varane as the ‘complete package’  as his former Real Madrid team-mate prepares to play in a World Cup final on Sunday.

Varane has been hugely impressive during France’s run in Qatar, playing a major role as Didier Deschamps’ men look to become the first team in 60 years to retain the title.

France have only conceded two goals in three knockout contests, with Varane now just a victory against Argentina away from lifting more silverware on the world stage.

And Kroos admits that he is not surprised by the 29-year-old performances at the World Cup, given that he is the ‘complete package’.

Varane played 360 games for Madrid and won four Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles before swapping the Bernabeu for Old Trafford in the summer of 2021.

And when asked what makes Varane such a great defender, Kroos told Real Total: “He’s incredibly fast. Really one of the fastest team-mates, I would even say.

“There were a few quick ones. He’s really incredible. I never really saw anyone run away from him in our time here.

“He was a solid pillar for us alongside (Sergio) Ramos for many years. He did an outstanding job and is really the complete package.

“He doesn’t do miracles with the ball but is a highly awkward defender to play against. You can’t beat him in the air and, as I said, he’s incredibly fast, so you can’t run away from him either. He’s a good man.”

Varane forming strong Martinez partnership

Varane started to form a strong understanding alongside Lisandro Martinez before the Premier League was paused. Indeed, the form of the duo has left Harry Maguire largely having to watch on from the bench.

Martinez and Varane could now go head-to-head in Sunday’s final, as Argentina aim for a third World Cup triumph.

However, when domestic action returns, United will host Burnley on the Carabao Cup on December 21.

As for United’s next Premier League outing, that will be against Aston Villa on December 27.

The Red Devils are currently in fifth spot, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham. However, they do have a game in hand on the north London side in the race for Champions League football.

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