Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has hailed team-mate Raphael Varane following Monday evening's 1-0 FA Cup third-round win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
United, who face Villa again on Saturday in the Premier League, secured their passage to the fourth-round thanks to McTominay's eighth minute header, although they were forced to ride a wave of Villa pressure.
Steven Gerrard's side were the better team for long spells and carved out numerous chances, two of which found their way to goal before being chalked off for offside.
Goalkeeper David de Gea, once again, was United's saving grace, producing a string of fine saves, but he also had Varane to thank, with the former Real Madrid man producing a commanding performance, despite United looking vulnerable on several occasions.
Varane's performance was one of continued gradual improvement, with the Frenchman having struggled with injury issues and failed to have found a settled defensive partner, and it earned praise from McTominay.
Varane took to Instagram following the game to share an image of him congratulating McTominay after he scored the winner, whilst celebrating United's progression to the fourth-round to book a date with Middlesbrough.
The post from Varane prompted a reply from McTominay, who sent a short four-word message of appreciation to his United team-mate.
McTominay replied: "Top draw as usual."
Varane, despite facing a series of troubles since joining United from Real Madrid in the summer, has, when he's played, demonstrated exactly why former Reds boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was so keen to secure his signature.
His vast levels of experience and winning mentality will serve United well in the months and years that lie ahead, as will his presence within the dressing room, with his career most certainly being one that deserves recognition.
Varane returned from a hamstring injury just after Christmas and interim manager Ralf Rangnick is delighted to have him back available for selection and within his plans.
"It's very important to have Rapha back again," Rangnick said. "Hopefully for the away game at Villa on Saturday we will also have a few other players available, including Harry as the centre-back, that will give us more options.
"Phil Jones will hopefully be fit again for the game on Saturday but today we only had two of them and I'm very happy Rapha is back again."
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