Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has revealed that Bruno Fernandes, David de Gea and Marcus Rashford were the players at the club who impressed him the most during their time together.

The Frenchman spent three seasons with the Red Devils before leaving as a free agent at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, winning the FA Cup at the end of that season having lifted the Carabao Cup in 2022-23.

Varane joined Man United from Real Madrid after a decade with the Spanish club, and while many wondered why he opted to move to the Old Trafford club after a trophy-laden career in La Liga, the defender has admitted he joined them for a new challenge.

Having played with some of the best players in the world at Madrid, the former France international knows a thing or two about quality stars and he has singled out the aforementioned trio for praise after their time together at Man United.

“Even in difficult moments, they are capable of doing extraordinary things,” Varane told The Athletic.

“It’s difficult to perform well individually when the team is struggling. You have to be very very strong.”

De Gea left Man United in 2023 as a free agent but both Fernandes and Rashford remain on their books, with the England international joining Aston Villa on loan last month.

The Red Devils academy graduate struggled last term before falling out of favour under head coach Ruben Amorim last December, but he is starting to prove himself at the Midlands club and is eyeing a move to one of the bigwigs in the summer.

While Rashford struggled for consistency prior to his departure, Fernandes was one of the regular best performers at the club and has remained so afterwards.

The Man United captain has 88 goals and 78 assists in 270 games for the Red Devils and could do with like-minded teammates around him.

The Old Trafford club are currently struggling this term, with many fans already fearing a prospective relegation battle following just three victories in their last 12 Premier League games.

Amorim is looking forward to the summer transfer window so as to bolster his squad with players capable of delivering the goods, and he needs to recruit those with a similar quality, drive and zeal to Fernandes.

Article written by Alani .

BBC Sport is set to axe 27 jobs and end its iconic Sportsday programme as part of cost-saving measures.

Staff were informed of the significant shake-up on Wednesday by director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, and most have been offered voluntary redundancy.

The proposal will involve the closure of 27 positions, but those impacted may be able to apply for 27 newly created jobs.

Sportsday’s 6.30pm daily slot on the BBC News channel will also be cut, with many of its presenters likely to be affected, reports The Times.

The BBC said the changes would be subject to consultation with trade unions and that the savings were being delivered as part of its Value for All strategy.

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