Raphael Varane outlines Manchester United’s problem

After the 4-0 trashing of Liverpool in the pre-season opener at Bangkok, United players may feel a sense of accomplishment and relief for having done their bitter rivals the revenge for last season.

But for defender, Raphael Varane, he knows it’s far too early to feel relieved or feel accomplished even if there are improvements under new manager, Erik ten Hag.

The former Real Madrid player has outlined ahead of the 2022/23 season where the Manchester United’s problems are.

According to him, they need to “improve in everything” over the course of the pre-season games, noting specifically in terms of fitness.

The Frenchman feels that the pattern the coach wants them playing at will demand a lot of physicality and aggression that will require fitness to play in.

“We know exactly how we want to play,” the France international said at his post-match press conference after the match.

“The manager explained very well what we have to do and it’s absolutely clear. So we know we have to be very fit because it is a very physical way to play.

“We are happy with the result obviously but we know we still have to work very hard to be ready for the start of the season.

“This is just the start of the pre-season so it is just the beginning, but we know exactly where we want to go. I think we know exactly what we have to do – we have to improve in everything,” Varane added.

“We have ambition for this season but also, most importantly, we have to work with humility. I think it is the most important.

“As I said, it is just the beginning so we have to improve in everything,” he said.

Though Man United’s problems lie waiting for them in training, this may be the positive they need in getting their season back on track.