After a fairly lengthy delay, former Real Madrid central defender Raphael Varane's move to Manchester United has finally been officially confirmed.
The four-time Champions League winner leaves Madrid after a decade at Los Blancos to begin a new challenge in the Premier League with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side and has already caused quite the frenzy at Old Trafford.
Before United kicked off their 2021/22 Premier League campaign with a clash against long-time rivals Leeds United, Varane was unveiled to the Old Trafford crowd, proudly clutching his new Red Devils shirt - which donned 'R. Varane 19' on the back of it.
His appearance sparked a huge standing ovation from a packed Theatre of Dreams, operating at full capacity for the first-time in more than a year.
In response, Varane has already thanked his new fans for their warm reception in his first outing at Old Trafford since the £42m switch.
In a message posted to United's official twitter account, the Frenchman said: "Hi everyone, I am very excited to be here, thanks for the atmosphere at Old Trafford, thank you very much.
"I am very happy to be here and I am ready to work hard."
The 28-year-old has been signed to partner club captain Harry Maguire, who has long been paired with one of Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly.
While both Lindelof and Bailly have struggled significantly at times in their United careers, Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand thinks Varane will prove to be the step-up in quality the club require.
Will Varane be a success at Man Utd? Have your say here.
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand claimed: "He's played in 14 finals and won 14, so he knows exactly what he's doing.
"It's a big thing for Man United getting into situations when they're under pressure, they can look to this type of leader."
Varane has taken the number 19 jersey as a result of Phil Jones reportedly refusing to give up the number 4 he currently occupies.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Varane asked club officials for the number 4, the same number he wears for France - but Jones refused.
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