London, June 2 (BNA): Manchester United defender Raphael Varane said he had no fear of Erling Haaland ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City, but acknowledged that their rivals pose a threat from every area of the pitch.
United go into the final on Saturday looking to end the Premier League champions’ bid for a second title this season, as Pep Guardiola’s side seek a rare hat-trick with the Champions League final against Inter Milan on June 10.
The only team to win the Premier League title, the FA Cup and the Champions League in the same season is United, who achieved this feat in 1999, according to Reuters.
Haaland scored 52 goals in his first season in England, winning the Premier League Golden Boot by scoring 36 goals on his way to winning several Player of the Year awards.
Varane said City were more than the Norwegian killer. “Fear? No escape… Why?” he told the Telegraph. “Yes, he’s a very good player, we all know that. But the danger from City is everywhere, they’re so complete.”
And Varane said removing playmaker Kevin De Bruyne would be key to stopping Haaland. De Bruyne finished the league season with 16 assists, half of which were for Halland.
“They can score from the play set, from the game of possession and from a game in transition. As a defender, the connection (Haaland) especially with De Bruyne – this type of pass is complicated for defence, so we try to break that connection.
“We know we can beat them. We have to be consistent for 90 minutes because we know everything can change in a few seconds.”
Coach Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to finish their season on a high note after winning the League Cup, and Varane – who spent 10 trophy-filled years at Real Madrid – said United are developing a winning mentality again.
“We have to be positive, we are on a good path. But the most important thing is to believe.”
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