Yesterday, Manchester United made headlines for their fantastic win over Tottenham to move to the fifth spot in the league table.
It was a game where the attackers were given huge credit for their jaw-dropping finishes. Ronaldo nailed it with a superb volley, Edinson Cavani slotted in with a calm finish and Marcus Rashford scored with a pleasing finish just before the final whistle.
Special mention to @raphaelvarane today… calming influence! #MUFC
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 30, 2021
Although the attackers did pull in more attention, our Man of the Match and the Unsung Hero is Raphael Varane. We have a known history where the centre-backs have been given not much credit than the attackers. Just look at the race for the Ballon d’Or. We feel sorry for the centre-backs for not winning it.
But their impact from the back decides the game from the very first minute. As Sir Alex Ferguson once said: ‘A good attack wins you games, but a defence wins you titles.’
Raphael Varane’s presence was felt against Liverpool, as their attackers made a mockery of Harry Maguire. It was the same condition during our loss against Leicester. Varane then returned and he was mammoth against the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, and Lucas Moura.
Raphaël Varane made more clearances (6) than any other player on the pitch during Man Utd's 3-0 win vs. Spurs and did not commit a single foul.
Clean sheet secured. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/ujrSp8qYNo
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 30, 2021
As Varane came in, our defensive tactics started making sense. With Solskjaer opting to play with a back three of Varane, Maguire, and Lindelof, the centre-backs were able to stop Tottenham from finding gaps and initiating any attacking move.
The French centre-back didn’t need any time to adapt and played straight passes down the right and left flank making it possible for Luke Shaw and Wan-Bissaka to make more dynamic runs into the Tottenham box.
United was looking much improved in set-pieces and were looking like a totally different defensive unit. Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane have been playing brilliantly when they are pairing together.
Harry Maguire was left to hide his face against Liverpool and Leicester and it was clearly seen that he needed someone strong to be dependent on. Lindelof was slow to clear the ball against Liverpool and this issue was completely cleared away against Tottenham by Varane.
Solskjaer will be super proud of his French centre-back.
