The bulk of Manchester United's transfer business has now been completed, with Raphael Varane the latest player to be added to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's ranks.
He has been recognised as a statement of intent and labelled as a proven winner by the Red Devils boss, but Solskjaer has also hinted towards stylistic changes on the back of his arrival.
Speaking to the club website, he stated: “First of all, the club has shown ambition with getting one of the most respected centre-backs and one of the most winning centre-backs in the world.
“With him in, we’ve got different ways of playing of course, and I can see different ways of playing with Raphael.”
The words of the 48 year-old suggest that Varane's addition has opened up certain possibilities on the field - perhaps in a tactical sense - that United could begin to apply next season.
The French international has a valuable and adaptable skill set, with sporadic minutes spent on the field as part of a back three over the past year when representing both Madrid and his national side.
Varane usually acts as the middle centre-back when performing as a three, with such a shape rarely employed by Solskjaer at Old Trafford in the past, perhaps due to the players that have been at his disposal.
The World Cup winner is also quick across the ground and strong aerially, which presents Solskjaer with different options when defending.
With Varane in the team, United will be better equipped to defend higher up the field as a result of his ability to manage the space in behind, but his ability to head away crosses also presents the Red Devils with the capacity to sit back and soak pressure.
Of all the players in La Liga last season, Varane placed seventh overall for aerial success after winning 75.3 per cent of his 97 duels, with only two of the higher ranked players contesting for more battles than him.
Various possibilities have opened up as a consequence of Varane's addition, with United essentially able to become a more well-rounded and multifaceted outfit with him in the side.
Given that Solskjaer's team ranked fifth last season for goals conceded, the United boss will hope that the impact of his new signing is transformational.
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