Man Utd News: Jose Mourinho finally gives up on Real Madrid star Raphael Varane

MANCHESTER UNITED have finally given up signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to reports.

Man United target Raphael Varane sent off for France

Manchester United have been regularly linked with a move for the France international ever since Jose Mourinho succeeded Louis van Gaal as manager last year.

Mourinho signed him from Lens during his time in charge of Real Madrid and helped the centre-back become one of the world’s most consistent players in his position. 

As a result, talk was always going to be inevitable of the Red Devils making a move for him.

But Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Manchester United have dropped their interest in Varane amid doubts over his physicality. 

Mourinho’s title-winning teams of yesteryear have always boasted powerhouse defensive figures.

Man Utd News: Jose Mourinho no longer wants Real Madrid star Raphael Varane

During his first stint at Chelsea he had John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, with Gary Cahill replacing the Portuguese when Mourinho returned in 2013.

And at Inter Milan and Real he was lucky to have Walter Samuel, Lucio, Sergio Ramos and Pepe all to call upon.

He has sought to inject the same brute force over at Old Trafford through Eric Bailly and now Victor Lindelof.

Yet Don Balon say Varane does not fit the bill.

Mourinho has supposedly been reaching out to the France defender regularly during his stint at United.

Man Utd News Real Madrid Raphael VaraneGETTY

Man Utd News: Jose Mourinho is no longer pursuing Real Madrid star Raphael Varane

Man Utd News Real Madrid Raphael VaraneGETTY

Man Utd News: Jose Mourinho signed Raphael Varane for Real Madrid

Lindelof signed from Benfica earlier this summer, finally making his debut in the Champions League win over Basel this week.

And, speaking after the game, Mourinho suggested the Sweden international was finally ready to make his Premier League bow. 

“If Lindelof has to play in the Premier League I have no problem with that,” Mourinho said.

“Can he make a mistake that comes with adapting to the nature of the Premier League? I think he can.

“But the nature of the Premier League is also changing and we need defenders who can play, who can come into the midfield bringing the ball because it’s becoming really defensive and we’re going to face many teams with five in the back and two or three in front.’

“Victor of all our defenders is probably the one to bring more quality when he attacks the midfield.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?