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Varane: United must improve ‘everything’
Raphael Varane admits Manchester United have a lot of work to do during their first pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
A disastrous 2021-22 campaign — Varane’s first with the Red Devils — saw them finish sixth with their lowest ever Premier League points total.
After dwindling under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and boss Ralf Rangnick, ex-Ajax chief Ten Hag has been entrusted to turn things around at Old Trafford.
The 52-year-old oversaw an impressive 4-0 friendly win over Liverpool in Bangkok yesterday but defender Varane admits there is still plenty of work to do.
The Frenchman told Sky Sports following the win: “We know exactly how we want to play. The manager explained very well what we have to do and it’s absolutely clear.
“So we know we have to be very fit because it’s a very physical way to play.
“We are happy with the result obviously but we know we have to work very hard still to be ready for the start of the season.
“I think we know exactly what we have to do — we have to improve in everything,
“We have ambition for this season but also, most importantly, we have to work with humility.
“As I said, it’s just the beginning so we have to improve in everything.”
Reds fans not to blame for Champions League final
Liverpool fans were unfairly blamed for the issues surrounding the Champions League final to divert attention away from organisational errors and shortcomings, a French senate report has found.
The showpiece in Paris between the Reds and Real Madrid on May 28 was overshadowed by crowd problems before and after the match, with kick-off having to be delayed by more than half an hour.
The French government initially said Liverpool fans arriving with fake tickets caused the delay, while there were multiple instances of fans being sprayed with tear gas by authorities outside the ground.
But the report 46 days after the event said: “The systems put in place had major shortcomings with regard to the intelligence, the transport routes for supporters and insufficient communication.
“It is not only in the execution that problems arose. Upstream, the crisis scenarios were insufficiently worked on and did not demonstrate the necessary flexibility in the face of so many unanticipated events.”
Clark joins Blades on loan
Championship side Sheffield United have signed Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark on a season-long loan deal.
The 32-year-old has made 128 appearances for the Magpies but was not included in Eddie Howe’s 25-man squad for the second half of last season.
With opportunities set to limited again next term, the Irish international is hoping for a regular role in the second tier with the Blades.
After sealing his temporary switch to Bramall Lane, Clark said “I’m looking forward to playing regularly, fitting into the style and formation.
“We know the Championship is tough but with a huge togetherness and a big effort by everyone, the squad has the quality to get out of the league.
“I saw how close the club went last season and the aim now is to get promoted.”
Ogbonna makes Hammers return
Defender Angelo Ogbonna made his long-awaited return to action during West Ham’s pre-season friendly with Boreham Wood last night following an eight-month injury absence.
The Italian had not featured for the Hammers since suffering a serious knee injury against Liverpool in November last year.
But after coming on as a 67th-minute substitute during the 1-1 draw in Hertfordshire, the 34-year-old will hope to put his troubles behind him and provide a boost to David Moyes’ backline for the upcoming campaign.
The East London side were forced to share the spoils against the National League outfit after Said Benrahma’s outstanding free-kick was cancelled out by Will Evans’s strike just before half-time.
Rooney talks up Suarez
New DC United boss Wayne Rooney has spoken of his admiration for ex-Liverpool star Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan was linked with a move to the MLS.
The legendary 35-year-old is without a club after leaving Atletico Madrid this summer and there are suggestions he could be heading Stateside.
He is said to have multiple offers from clubs across the pond but it is unclear whether DC, who have just appointed England and Manchester United legend Rooney as their head coach, are among the sides chasing the striker.
On a potential move for the former Anfield hero, Rooney said: “I respect Luis Suarez a lot. He’s an incredible player but I want players who are hungry.
“I want players to come to the club who are hungry and who want to play for the club.
“But also players who have got a lot to give and are capable of playing every game, every training session.
“So we’re working really hard to identify the right type of players to bring in.”
