Raphael Varane's chat with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that clinched Man Utd transfer

Raphael Varane has spoken about his conversation with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that convinced him to join Manchester United this summer.

The central defender completed a £34million switch to Old Trafford this summer from Real Madrid and has swiftly established himself as a key player at United.

Varane had spent a decade in the Spanish capital but had entered the final year of his contract this summer which prompted United to move for a transfer.

The central defender has started in the Premier League victories over Wolves, Newcastle and West Ham while also appearing as a second half substitute in the Champions League loss at Young Boys.

Raphael Varane was convinced to join Man Utd following a chat with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ( Image:

Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock)

The Frenchman has struck up a defensive partnership with Harry Maguire in the heart of United's defence and will be central to any hopes of success this campaign.

He has now spoken on a conversation he held with United boss Solskjaer prior to clinching his transfer from Real Madrid this summer.

Varane explained on Norwegian media outlet TV2: "He told me about the club's plans and the team's ambitions.

"He also spoke about his experience as a Manchester United player and what it was going to be like for me considering what the team wants to achieve.

"The talk was a lot about those moments of joy after winning something, and he spoke for a long time about the abilities of this team and what we must do to be winners."

The defender confirmed that he had met former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson a decade ago when he was still at French clubs Lens.

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United were keen on a deal to sign the central defender with Ferguson even meeting with the player and his family, but Real Madrid trumped them to the move.

Varane added: "It is true that my family and I met Sir Alex Ferguson and it was a fantastic experience for me.

"But nothing ever happened and in the end Real Madrid entered...you know the rest of the story.

"I had a great time in Madrid and I think maybe it was my destiny to go there. I'm happy to have spent ten wonderful years there."

Varane then went on to explain the motivations that led him to leave the Spanish capital after a decade, where he helped Los Blancos to three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

He continued: "I think I needed a new challenge and wanted to experience the Premier League.

"Manchester United is a club full of history and they want to return to the top, which was a challenge that tempted me. The club is like a family, and I have come here to do my best and to help the team."

Speaking on the future of Paul Pogba, a teammate of Varane at both club and international level, he added: "Of course it (his future) is his decision, but of course I hope that he will stay here for a long time.

"He is a fantastic player, so I certainly hope that he will stay."