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Fernandes says Man Utd 'ready to win trophies'
Manchester United’s capture of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid will allow boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to revamp his tactics and be more attack-minded, according to reports.
Varane is set to sign for the Red Devils in a £35m deal from the La Liga giants, subject to a completed medical and finalised personal terms.
Solskjaer has long wanted an improved centre-back partner for Harry Maguire as neither Victor Lindelof nor Eric Bailly have proved that they can perform consistently next to the England international.
Both players have struggled for form and Bailly has had significant injury issues during his United career.
That has prompted the Old Trafford hierarchy to sign a new defender this summer and Varane was the club’s No 1 target.
Raphael Varane's Man Utd transfer has allowed Solskjaer to devise a fresh playing style (Image: GETTY)
It is understood that the Frenchman’s arrival has led to Solskjaer devising a new tactical plan as he prepares for the 2021-22 campaign.
The Norwegian often used two defensive midfielders in a conservative 4-2-3-1 formation, with Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay frequently occupying the roles in front of the back four.
But Solskjaer now feels that having two elite centre-backs means that they will not need as much protection and now plans to play with just one defensive midfielder, according to The Athletic.
It will allow the 47-year-old to deploy another more attack-minded midfielder alongside Bruno Fernandes in the United midfield.
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The refreshed tactics might be good news for Donny van de Beek, who saw his game time limited last season despite arriving from Ajax for £34m in the summer.
Van de Beek made just four starts and two of those came in the final four matches of the campaign when United’s place as runners-up was all but confirmed.
The Dutchman played his best football for Ajax as a creative box-to-box midfielder but largely had to settle for one of the deeper roles in Solskjaer’s midfield.
Fernandes’ excellent form made it difficult for Van de Beek to play in a more advanced role, but he might now get the chance to form a partnership with the Portuguese star.
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Man Utd boss Solskjaer has a new tactical plan thanks to Varane's transfer (Image: GETTY)
Paul Pogba would also benefit from being allowed a little more freedom, although his game time could depend on his contract situation being resolved soon.
The 28-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford and there is no indication that fresh terms will be agreed.
United hope to recoup most of the £86m they paid Juventus for Pogba in 2016 and have told interested clubs that they will need to pay at least £60m.
Pogba has interest from Paris Saint-Germain and former club Juve.
Solskjaer is planning to topple rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, despite finishing 12 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s side last term.
Varane is expected to join Jadon Sancho in arriving at the top-flight runners-up. The latter completed a £73m move from Borussia Dortmund last week.
But Solskjaer’s preparation has been hindered by several positive COVID-19 cases in his camp.
United’s proposed friendly with Preston North End yesterday was cancelled, although it is not believed that any of the cases are among the first-team squad.