Raphael Varane Showers Praise on Former Manchester United Teammates Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford

Former Manchester United center-back Raphael Varane has heaped praise on Bruno Fernandes, David de Gea, and Marcus Rashford, identifying them as the most impressive players he played alongside during his tenure at Old Trafford.

The French defender, who spent three seasons with the Red Devils, left the club as a free agent at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Despite a mixed spell in England, he departed on a high note, securing the FA Cup in his final campaign, having already won the Carabao Cup in 2022-23.

Varane arrived at Manchester United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a trophy-laden decade in La Liga. Many questioned his decision to move to the Premier League at that stage of his career, but the World Cup-winning defender revealed he was looking for a fresh challenge outside of Spain.

Having shared the pitch with some of the greatest footballers in history, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos, Varane’s judgment on talent carries significant weight. When reflecting on his time at Manchester United, he singled out Fernandes, Rashford, and De Gea as exceptional performers.

“Even in difficult moments, they are capable of doing extraordinary things,” Varane said in an exclusive interview with The Athletic. “It’s difficult to perform well individually when the team is struggling. You have to be very, very strong mentally.”

De Gea, who served as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper for over a decade, departed in the summer of 2023. Despite his exit, Fernandes and Rashford have remained pivotal figures at the club, although the latter recently secured a loan move to Aston Villa after struggling for form under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils’ academy graduate endured a frustrating spell at Old Trafford last season, finding himself out of favor in the squad. His loan move to Villa Park provides him with an opportunity to rediscover his best form, with an eye on securing a permanent transfer to a top European club in the summer.

While Rashford faced inconsistencies, Fernandes maintained his reputation as one of the team’s most influential players. The Portuguese playmaker has been a key figure since joining from Sporting CP in 2020, and his numbers reflect his immense contribution. With 88 goals and 78 assists in 270 games for Manchester United, Fernandes remains one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League.

However, United’s current struggles in the league have placed immense pressure on the squad. With only three wins in their last 12 Premier League matches, concerns over a potential relegation battle have begun to surface among the club’s supporters.

Head coach Ruben Amorim is already looking ahead to the summer transfer window, eager to bring in reinforcements who can match Fernandes’ quality and leadership. The Portuguese tactician is determined to reshape the squad with players who possess the right mentality, technical ability, and work ethic to steer the club back to its former heights.

United’s recruitment in recent years has often been criticized, with several high-profile signings failing to live up to expectations. Amorim is keen to avoid similar mistakes and is focused on targeting players who can complement Fernandes’ vision and dynamism on the pitch.

Despite the club’s turbulent form, Fernandes has remained a beacon of consistency, delivering crucial performances even when the team struggles. His leadership qualities have been evident in moments of adversity, showcasing his ability to inspire those around him.

Rashford, on the other hand, has faced a battle to regain his best form. The England international was Manchester United’s top scorer in the 2022-23 campaign but has been unable to replicate that level of performance in recent months. A fresh start at Aston Villa might provide him with the platform needed to revive his career.

Meanwhile, De Gea’s departure marked the end of an era at Old Trafford. The Spanish shot-stopper, who won multiple individual awards and trophies during his time at the club, remains one of the most decorated goalkeepers in United’s history.

Varane’s words of admiration for Fernandes, Rashford, and De Gea serve as a reminder of the immense talent that has passed through the club in recent years. While results on the pitch may have been inconsistent, individual brilliance has continued to shine through.

As Manchester United navigates yet another challenging season, the club will need to rely on experienced players like Fernandes to guide them through difficult periods. With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Amorim faces a crucial task in ensuring that United recruits the right players to build a competitive and resilient squad.

Varane’s reflections highlight the enduring quality of certain individuals at the club, but United’s long-term success will depend on assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level. Whether Rashford can rediscover his best form, or whether Fernandes can inspire another resurgence, remains to be seen, but their impact on the team cannot be overlooked.