Man Utd: The first six fixtures of the new Premier League season
Manchester United reportedly have a ‘total agreement with Real Madrid’ for the signing of Raphael Varane. This is what El Chiringuito have claimed, with the France international expected to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this summer. So, with that the case, it’s time to look at four shirt numbers the 28-year-old could wear.
It’s not entirely out of the question that Paul Pogba leaves United this summer.
The France international, who starred as his side crashed out of Euro 2020 to Switzerland on Monday, has just a year left on his current contract to run.
Juventus are dreaming of a reunion with the 2018 World Cup winner and, at present, United face the grim prospect of losing Pogba for nothing in a year’s time.
Should Pogba leave, it would free up the No 6 shirt.
Varane’s favourite jersey, the No 5, is currently occupied by Harry Maguire. So this could be a good alternative.
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Yet though the Red Devils want the England international to stay, that may not happen - especially with Jadon Sancho expected to touch down from Borussia Dortmund.
As Lingard enters the peak years of his career, he won’t want to be stuck on the Old Trafford bench.
West Ham would love to land the playmaker on a permanent basis, having seen him shine at the London Stadium last term.
And Lingard leaving would give Varane the chance to take the number he previously sported at Lens in France.
Man Utd could hand Raphael Varane Nemanja Vidic's old shirt number (Image: GETTY)
Number 20
Like Pereira and Lingard, it’s unlikely Diogo Dalot will be given another chance.
That’s despite the Portugal international impressing for AC Milan last season and earning a spot in his country’s Euro 2020 squad.
While No 20 isn’t necessarily glamorous, it has been worn by Solskjaer and Robin van Persie over the years.
And Varane would be a worthy occupant, having won every major trophy with Real Madrid during his time at the club so far.
Another option would be No 16 - but that seems likelier to go to Sancho instead.
Man Utd target Raphael Varane could follow in Robin van Persie's footsteps (Image: GETTY)
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United given Butt endorsement
Speaking recently, former United star Luke Chadwick endorsed his old side’s interest in Varane.
“If you could pick any centre half in the world to go and partner Harry Maguire it would be Varane,” Chadwick told CaughtOffside.
“He’s an absolute Rolls Royce of a player, you don’t win the amount of trophies he’s had without an incredible mentality.
“With Ramos leaving as well, Paris Saint-Germain seem to be showing an interest in both of those players, but in terms of what United need at this time, Varane would be a dream signing if they could get that over the line.
“PSG can offer more in terms of wages, but Varane’s another player who’s never played in the Premier League, so it depends if it’s the financial incentive or that playing opportunity that means more to him.”