Manchester United legend says Raphael Varane likens Rio Ferdinand | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand is the latest to comment on the club’s prospective signing of Raphael Varane, with the player due to fly into Manchester early next week to undergo his medical.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who offered an update on the situation earlier this week. Varane, who spent 10 years at Real Madrid after joining in 2011, is set to become Manchester United’s third signing of the summer after Tom Heaton and Jadon Sancho.

Crerand has showered Varane with praise and likened him to Rio Ferdinand, who has also been a vocal advocate of the signing of the France international.

“He’s a class act,” Crerand told the official Manchester United website. “He played in the 2018 World Cup for France and stood out. He’s a totally class act.

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“I don’t think there are many top central defenders anywhere. He reminds of Rio Ferdinand actually – that’s how good he is.

“He’s excellent with the ball at his feet and he makes everything look easy, exactly the same as Rio. That’s because they’re terrific players. They make things look easy. They can read the game well.”

Varane is believed to have been a longstanding target at the club, with Sir Alex Ferguson coming close to bringing him to Old Trafford before his move to Real Madrid a decade ago.

It is yet unclear when Varane will be able to train with his new teammates following a potential quarantine but official confirmation of the deal is expected next week.