Varane says Man Utd won’t ‘fight each other’ after crashing out of CL, but admits impact of ‘failure’
Raphael Varane has insisted that Manchester United will stick together after their hopes of a trophy this season evaporated on Tuesday.
The Red Devils crashed out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage following defeat to Atletico Madrid. Man Utd scraped a 1-1 draw and kept the tie alive in Spain through Anthony Elanga’s goal.
The striker and fellow forward Cristiano Ronaldo had chances to put the hosts ahead at Old Trafford. However, it was Renan Lodi who ultimately sent Atletico through.
As a result, the Premier League top four has become United’s only aim left this season. They exited the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the first hurdle in each competition.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s side could also struggle to finish fourth, with Arsenal in the driving seat in that race. However, France international centre-back Varane has insisted that United will stick together. He also said that the club will learn from their latest failure.
“We will not point fingers, fight each other or complain,” the 28-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“We can reflect on the season when the battle is finished.
“The atmosphere last night was incredible, we will fight for everything for this club until the last minute of the season. Failure is a foundation of victory.”
Nevertheless, it is another crucial tie in which the Red Devils have failed to get over the line.
Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lost four semi-finals while in charge. The Norwegian eventually reached the Europa League final but tasted similar defeat against Villarreal last season.
Rangnick has continually stressed that top-four is the ultimate aim this season.
However, the latest Champions League exit drew fresh criticism from the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes.
Varane must feature as Man Utd transition
United’s primary focus is reclaiming the Premier League title following rivals Liverpool and Manchester City triumphing in recent seasons.
However, European success is also a massive priority at Old Trafford.
And the next manager in at Man Utd has a big job on his hands to steer the club in the right direction.
For now, though, the club can save their season by qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
They can ill afford to drop more points with Arsenal in good form. Meanwhile, West Ham and Tottenham below them are also fighting for the spot.
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