N.E. fans say thanks and farewell to Man Utd’s defence ‘Rolls Royce’

Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane holding the World Cup.

Manchester United fans in the Northeast have been paying online tribute to club defender Raphael Varane, as he retired aged 31, praising him as an important part of the team, without whom they would not have won this year’s FA Cup.

On X, most fans expressed appreciation for the effect he had on his arrival at the club and how he elevated the level of play.

For example, ‘Football context’ on X compared Varane to a Rolls Royce, saying he raised the quality of play and that without him United would not have won two trophies in the last two seasons – this year’s FA Cup and last season’s League Cup.

Also on X, ‘John Joseph McCormack’ was glad Varane could win a final trophy at Manchester United, and hopeful that he will come back as a member of the coaching staff.

However, other fans felt the Frenchman played worse at Manchester United than he did for Real Madrid, with some even taunting him over France losing the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.

For example, ‘Read One’ on X wrote “Enjoy your retirement” and “You are a hero” – but posted an image of him after losing the final with France in Qatar.

However, United fans overall were appreciative of Raphael Varane and what he gave the team, considering him one of Man Utd’s best players while at the club and considering him to have shown class, talent and professionalism in every game and every training session.