Harry Maguire on what Raphael Varane & Jadon Sancho signings mean for Man Utd
Harry Maguire has hailed Manchester United's signings of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, claiming the pair's winning mentality is a 'really, really exciting' prospect for all at Old Trafford.
28-year-old Varane completed the formalities of his £41m move from Real Madrid on Saturday, some two weeks after the Red Devils first announced they had struck an agreement with Real Madrid for his transfer.
Sancho, meanwhile, finally completed a £72.9m move to United towards the end of July, some two-and-a-half years after manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer first identified him as a key target for his squad rebuild.
Varane was introduced to United's fans before their opening day Premier League clash with Leeds, and he was treated to a real show as the home side ran out rampant 5-1 winners in the Roses derby. Bruno Fernandes was at his brilliant best, bagging a hat-trick, while Paul Pogba reminded those watching on just how good he can be.
The Frenchman contributed an astounding four assists in a dazzling display - further goals from Mason Greenwood and Fred wrapping up the easiest of first day wins - and that allowed for a cameo appearance from the bench for Sancho, who is continuing to build up his fitness after taking some time off after Euro 2020.
But the day wasn't all about United's performance on the field as there was huge excitement from those in attendance at Varane's unveiling. The fans' excitement appears to be resonating with the players, too, with Maguire, who started alongside Victor Lindelof in central defence, revealing his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Varane.
“You’ve seen what he’s won over his career,” Maguire said of Varane, in quotes carried by The Guardian.
“He’s played in some of the top teams about – the French squad and Real Madrid – and he’s won absolutely everything. I think he’ll bring that winning mentality and his footballing ability to the club. To bring in players of his calibre is really, really exciting.
“We’ve got an amazing number of centre-backs now, all internationals who are all proven in thePremier League.”
On Sancho, who Maguire played alongside for England over the summer, he was similarly full of praise, noting that players of his calibre are exactly who United need if they are to compete for domestic and continental honours.
“He’s an exceptional talent,” Maguire remarked. “I think you’ve seen in little glimpses the talent, the skills, goals, assists. He’s still young but he’s done a lot in the game. He brings that winning mentality as well. We know at this club we need to challenge for titles and challenge for trophies. That’s the aim.”