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Raphael Varane insists Manchester United do not ‘fear’ Manchester City and outlines how the Red Devils can win the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s team is one-third of the way to the triple, while Erik ten Hag’s men will be looking to keep the Red Devils’ record as the only club to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League all in the same season.
They are also hoping to add a second trophy to their 2022/23 trophy cabinet, having previously won the Carabao Cup.
Man United will very certainly have to keep Erling Haaland quiet in order to defeat Manchester City. In his first season in England, the Norwegian has already scored 52 goals in 51 appearances.
Despite their domestic supremacy, Manchester City were defeated 2-1 at Old Trafford in the most recent Manchester derby in January, a game in which Haaland was virtually excluded.
Raphael Varane will be in charge of containing Manchester City’s ATTACK
Varane explains that the key to defeat Manchester City is to keep Haaland and maestro Kevin De Bruyne quiet.
“Yes, we all know [Haaland] is a very good player, but the danger from City is everywhere.” They are really comprehensive. They can score on set plays, possession plays, and transition plays. “We know we have to stop them as a group and as a team,” Varane added.
“As a defender, the connection that Haaland has, especially with De Bruyne, is difficult to defend, so we try to cut that connection.” We try to stop them sooner rather than later, because sometimes it’s too late. We understand the importance of working as a cohesive one.
“They have a lot of connections and can change systems and approach games differently.”
It’s something we need to improve on.
“We know we can beat any team.” This season, we demonstrated that. They are a strong squad but we know we can defeat them.
“We have to learn from the games we played against them, and we need to perform well.”
We must remain constant for 90 minutes since we know that anything may happen in a matter of seconds.”
When asked whether Manchester United ‘fear’ Manchester City, Varane said, “No. Why?
Raphael Varane added his statement for the FA Cup Final Defense Strategy
“We have to accept the challenge and accept responsibility – pressure is something we are used to playing with, and we need pressure in our top – it’s not that kind of pressure that limits you.”
“When the pressure is on, I talk more and shout more on the field – you are more connected.” You run faster when you’re free! So, with more pressure, you can provide more on the pitch.
“I enjoy taking on big challenges.” That anticipation to achieve something impossible, what appears impossible, makes me feel comfortable, even when it appears impossible.
“When the challenge is large, I get more motivated, and as a team, we defend very well.” City is a club that produces the most opportunities in a game, and the first half of that game [in January] was really impressive, so we need to replicate that performance to win the cup. And clearly, if we just have one chance, we must score. As a result, we must be efficient.”
