He doesn’t need me to settle in: Paul Pogba on Raphael Varane

Paul Pogba insisted that his France international colleague Raphael Varane does not need his help in settling down at Manchester United. The French centre-back is the second big name to join Manchester United this summer after Jadon Sancho’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund. Varane, however, had to wait to finalise his move from Real Madrid. He was finally unveiled on the Old Trafford pitch in advance of kick-off against Leeds United in the season opener. The French World Cup winning defender was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Southampton. However, he is settling in well at Carrington and is pushing for a first outing in the weekend visit to Wolves.

Speaking to the club media about Varane, Pogba replied, “I think he doesn’t need me to settle in. He just settles in by himself. He is someone very mature, a very good guy. I think you can see he is very good with everyone already. He is really good in the changing room, which is very important in football. He’s a top man, a top player and brings his experience, his quality and his personality, even outside the pitch, to help the team.”

With Raphael Varane’s signing, United have acquired the services of a player, who brings with him a top-class pedigree and a glittering record from his successful spell at Real Madrid. The 28-year-old won the Champions League four times and helped the Bernabeu club clinch three La Liga titles, after joining from Lens in 2011. Varane and Pogba played a crucial role in France’s World Cup-winning team in 2018.

“[What does he bring?] His experience,” said the midfielder, who has already racked up five assists in two games this term. “[It’s] his experience, you know. For a young age, he’s seen it all. He has a lot of experience to give to the team. I think everyone can learn from him. He’s been with the best and played with the best. He saw all the top players and can give his advice, his personality and his experience to the team, like I said.”

Amad gets No.16 jersey

Promising young talent Amad Diallo has expressed his delight at taking on a new shirt number at Manchester United for the 2021-22 season. The Ivory Coast international moved from No.19 to No.16, with new signing Raphael Varane taking over his former slot in the squad. It means the winger will follow in the footsteps of some past legends, including Roy Keane and current first-team coach Michael Carrick.

“When I was told that I was getting the number 16 shirt, I was happy because I know that Michael Carrick had previously worn that shirt for a long time and so it is a number worn by a legend of the club,” Amad told the club’s website. “So I have to respect the number and the players who wore it before me.”

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke last week about how satisfied he is with Amad’s work in training. “With Amad, I have to say he’s doing really, really well in training,” Ole said.

“He’s come back a little bit later after the Olympics, we needed some time to get him back in, and now he’s looking really good, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed. It has to be the right loan, right move, right club, right way of playing for any of our youngsters that want to go.”