How Man Utd could line up with Sancho and Varane

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 23 May 2023 08:48 CDT
4 min read

What Ancelotti to Real Madrid means for Man Utd’s Varane hunt — © ProShots

Manchester United are apparently on the cusp of completing their second major signing of the summer transfer window.

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According to widespread reports on Saturday and Sunday, the Old Trafford club are close to finally striking a deal with Real Madrid to sign central defender Raphael Varane.

United are on the brink of agreeing personal terms with the player while Madrid have indicated the fee they would find acceptable.

The arrival of the French defender would undoubtedly be a huge boost for the Premier League giants, as they look to steal a lead on the summer’s transfer activity.

The Red Devils have already secured one major signing this summer with the acquisition of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

Sancho has been Man Utd's primary transfer target for over a year now as they attempted to sign him last summer only for talks to break down with Dortmund, who refused to budge on their £100 million valuation.

A year later, the deal is close to completion after a £73m fee was agreed.

All that remains is the formal announcement and Sancho will be a Man Utd player, with that announcement expected in the coming days.

Man Utd have also prioritised the signing of a centre-back this summer as a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.

The likes of Pau Torres and Sergio Ramos had been mentioned previously, but Varane has now emerged as their priority as the Frenchman has apparently made it clear that he wants to leave Real Madrid.

Varane has one year left on his contract at Santiago Bernabeu which means Real Madrid will need to sell him this summer if they want a significant transfer fee.

Though further recruits still could arrive for Man Utd, they are looking in terrific shape if they manage to acquire Varane.

So, how could they line up next season?

Man Utd XI with Sancho and Varane

© ProShots - Man Utd line up with Sancho and Varane

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need to decide between David de Gea and Dean Henderson as to who his number one goalkeeper next season. For now, De Gea might get the nod.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw will start in the full-back spots, with captain Maguire being partnered by Varane.

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are the other options at centre-back.

Paul Pogba was used in a variety of positions last season including left and right wing, but with the acquisition of Sancho he will likely need to be moved back into the midfield two, potentially alongside Scott McTominay.

Marcus Rashford will start on the left with Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role and Sancho on the right.

Edinson Cavani will remain at Old Trafford for at least another year so he will likely be first choice, though Solskjaer also has Anthony Martial, Daniel James and Mason Greenwood available for the attacking spots.

Read more about: Premier League Man United Man Utd Real Madrid Aaron Wan-Bissaka Anthony Martial Bruno Fernandes Daniel James David David De Gea Dean Henderson Edinson Cavani Eric Bailly Harry Maguire Jadon Sancho Luke Shaw Marcus Rashford Mason Greenwood Paul Pogba Raphaël Varane Scott McTominay Sergio Ramos Victor Lindelof