Antoine Griezmann scored France’s two goals in their midweek victory over Finland. Paul Pogba pulled the strings, with a staggering 142 touches.
The man who has been getting the credit in France for the win is Pogba’s new Manchester United teammate Raphael Varane.
The French team released footage from behind the scenes before and after the victory, which was France’s first win in six international matches.
Varane was credited with an inspiring pre-game speech to his teammates in the dressing room, a picture of which is seen below.
France’s leader
Back in the side after being rested away at Ukraine, Varane was key as France kept a clean sheet.
RMC Sport described Varane as ‘a leader of men’, remarking that he is taking a more active role in the dressing room.
He was quoted: “We give everything, it’s now, it’s now! 90 minutes! We don’t talk about it at halftime, the state of mind is now guys! Win, win, come on!”
At half-time and the score 1-0, Varane was seen telling his teammates, to stay ‘focused until the end’.
Foot-National report Varane and manager Didier Deschamps’ speeches were ‘invaluable’ to setting the tone and inspiring their teammates to get back to winning ways in front of a home crowd. France went on to win the game 2-0.
Manchester United need him
Varane typifies the type of leadership Manchester United need. This is a side which has faltered too often at key points.
During his career, Varane has been there and done it, winning every available trophy. He has never lost a final he has played, remarkably.
With all he has achieved, Varane commands huge respect from his teammates and when he talks, they will listen.
Even though he has only played one game for United so far, he proved his quality in the 90 minutes at Molineux, and we can’t wait to see more.
- Inter Milan manager comments on Denzel Dumfries performances are a warning to Manchester United
- Nicolas Pepe backs Manchester United winger Antony, he knows exactly what the issue is
- Wigan manager and sporting director praise ‘natural goalscorer’ Joe Hugill as loan deal confirmed
- Erik ten Hag signing has door closed on transfer as club president says there is ‘no possibility’ of move for Man Utd star
- Fabrizio Romano explains Man Utd’s ‘very clear position’ on key first-team player amid Premier League club’s interest
- Joe Hugill poses with Wigan shirt as he becomes first Man Utd player sent on loan in 2024/25
- Man Utd told there is ‘concrete possibility’ of signing player for ‘mid-range figure’ after Erik ten Hag’s contract extension
- Three proven left-back signings United have to consider this summer
- Six Manchester United youngsters who should now be sent on loan after USA Tour snub
- How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Man Utd career was nearly over before it ever even started
- All 12 Man Utd academy prospects to watch out for in the USA Tour 2024 squad
- Rasmus Hojlund gives Leny Yoro new nickname during Man Utd flight, it suits him perfectly
- Denzel Dumfries to Manchester United latest as swap deal explored
- Ex Man Utd wonderkid Callum Gribbin makes return to action after horrific injury 16 months ago
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka stance on West Ham United as Manchester United face Noussair Mazraoui problem