Raphael Varane, the unwavering warrior of Manchester United, has pledged to halt Erling Haaland in his tracks, shattering Manchester City's treble aspirations simultaneously.
With an awe-inspiring tally of 52 goals in 51 matches, Haaland enters his inaugural FA Cup final as the most formidable striker the world has ever witnessed.
Mаnchester Unιtеd stаr Rарhаel Vаrаnе Һаs fоᴜnd tҺе wаy tо stор Erlιnɡ Hааlаnd
Mаnchester Cιty sᴜрerstar Hааlаnd wιll fаce Vаrаnе ιn tҺе FA Cᴜр Fιnаl
United's resolute center-back, Varane, is adamant that the key to halting Erling Haaland lies in severing his connection with Kevin De Bruyne through relentless high pressing.
Varane expressed, "The connection, especially with De Bruyne, because they have a connection, we try to cut that connection. We try to stop them earlier and not at the end because sometimes it's too late. We know we have to be strong as a team. Obviously, he is one of the very good players they have, but they are strong as a team, and we have to respond not to the individual but more to the collective."
While City holds the favorites' tag to secure the FA Cup before heading to the Champions League final in Istanbul, Varane remains convinced that United can topple Pep Guardiola's side. After all, they have already triumphed 2-1 at home to avenge the 6-3 thrashing suffered at the Etihad this season.
"I think we know we are able to beat any team. We showed that this season. We know we can beat them, but we know they are a good team. The approach, we have to learn from the games we played against them, and we need a great performance. We have to be consistent for 90 minutes because we know that everything can change in a few seconds. They are very complete. They can score from set-plays, from a possession game, and from a transition game. We know we have to stop them as a team and collectively as a group."
Having experienced knocking Pep off his perch during his time at Real Madrid in 2011, when Barcelona had just won two Champions Leagues and three consecutive LaLigas, Varane understands what it takes. In his first season, the title was wrestled back to the Santiago Bernabeu, and Guardiola departed from the Nou Camp. Varane went on to win three LaLigas and four European Cups with the Spanish giants.
Now, he aims to regain that power in England as well. "I learned a lot from that period in Madrid. It was my first step at the top level. I learned how to fight, develop that winning mentality. We grew as a team and as a club during that period. I learned a lot, and it was very helpful for me."
Varane's experience playing for Real Madrid has taught him how to handle pressure and stay calm and composed, which he has brought to Manchester United in his successful second season with the club. He believes in the importance of Manchester United globally and understands the pressure that comes with it. Varane has played a significant role in instilling a winning mentality and belief in the team this season, which will be crucial in their quest to challenge and overcome Manchester City.
Although United only briefly contended for the title this season, finishing third and reaching two domestic Cup Finals showed real signs of progress. When asked about any fear factor in facing City, Varane appears visibly perplexed, stating that he relishes challenges and likes to challenge himself and other teams as a group. He finds motivation in facing seemingly impossible challenges and believes in the team's ability to compete.
Varane recognizes the significance of the FA Cup in England and expresses his respect for the fans and the importance they attach to the competition. He joined Manchester United to experience these types of emotions and would love to add the FA Cup to his CV after their earlier success in the Carabao Cup this season.
Ex-Rеаl Mаdrιd stаr Vаrаnе Һаs Һιstory wιtҺ Mаnchester Cιty bоss Pер Gᴜardiola
Vаrаnе аnd Hааlаnd Һаve аlrеаdy fаced оff ιn tҺе Prемiеr Lеаguе
