Man Utd star backs Ten Hag’s captaincy decision as aims for next season are made clear
Raphael Varane has backed the big calls that Erik ten Hag has made as Manchester United manager so far as the Reds step up their pre-season preparations.
Ten Hag certainly hasn’t shied away from the big calls at Old Trafford. While Cristiano Ronaldo was kicking up a fuss, he had no issues in letting the forward leave.
The latest big call Ten Hag has made relates to the captaincy at the club. As Harry Maguire has only been a bit-part player under Ten Hag, the manager took the decision to strip the England international of the armband.
While Maguire is no longer the captain, he could still have a future at Old Trafford despite the exit rumours circulating.
Varane has been impressed with the way Ten Hag has handled these big decisions and the way the club have improved under him so far.
“He wants a team with character and he’s the leader so he has to show it himself,” Varane told ESPN.
“He’s not scared to take these decisions and take that responsibility. That is what we expect from the manager. He did it so I think, with things like this, you show by example.
“He knows exactly what he wants. He’s shown that determination and from the first day we’ve known exactly what we’ve had to do and where he wants to go. It’s all clear for the players and for the team and we have a good connection with the manager.
“We need players with character and personality. If you want to win big trophies you need that kind of character. The difference between a good team and a top team is sometimes something mental.
“We need to believe, we need determination and the character of the players is something important.”
Man Utd have already added the likes of Mason Mount and Andre Onana to their squad and they are now looking to land a deal for a striker.
Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund remains a primary target for Ten Hag, although Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani is also being considered.
Varane is adamant that the aim for next season is to challenge for every trophy available as they look to close the gap at the top.
“We want to fight for every trophy,” Varane added. “That’s the expectation for this club. We want to grow as a team, be more consistent and fight to be at the top. That’s what we want.
“We are improving the team, the squad, and that’s good for the challenge that we have in front of us.
“I feel more confident in this dressing room. In a good way, not arrogance, but confident to trust our qualities and to believe that we can achieve something.”
READ MORE: Man Utd strike fear into European outfit as Ten Hag considers opening bid for prolific forward
