5 players Manchester United could have signed instead of Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane signed for Manchester United from Real Madrid in July 2021 for a reported £41 million.

The Frenchman is arguably one of the best defenders of his generation and has won pretty much every trophy there is at both club and country level. Having started out with Lens, Varane joined Real Madrid in 2011 and enjoyed a very succesful 10 years with the Spanish giants.

With Madrid, Varane won three La Liga titles, three Supercopas, one Copa del Rey and an incredible four UEFA Champions League titles. He has also won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Nations League with France.

However, Varane's stint with Manchester United has been underwhelming so far. The club sit seventh in the Premier League table and have been bland in defense.

Let's take a look at five players Manchester United could have signed instead of Raphael Varane.

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#5. Merih Demiral - Juventus

Hellas Verona FC v Juventus - Serie A

Merih Demiral is one of the most underrated defenders in world football.

Originally a Juventus player, Demiral currently plays for Atalanta on loan in Serie A. Demiral has made several appearances for both clubs and has looked in great shape every time.

The Turkish international is extremely physical and adept at marking opponents. His 6'4 frame enables him to excel in the air as well. Demiral also reads the game brilliantly from his position in defense.

Demiral was previously linked with Manchester United, but went on to join Atalanta on loan. He has been quite impressive and can certainly expect a lot of offers in the coming windows.

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#4. Jules Kounde - Sevilla

Sevilla FC v RB Salzburg: Group G - UEFA Champions League

Jules Kounde is one of the hottest properties in Europe right now.

The defender plays for Sevilla in La Liga and has slowly established himself as one of the most promising defenders in world football. Primarily a centre-back, Kounde is also capable of playing as a right-back.

Since signing for Sevilla in 2019, Kounde has gone on to become one of the club's most important players. His presence offers a calming effect on the Sevilla backline, with Kounde showing maturity beyond his years.

Kounde has been on the watchlist of several clubs, most notably Real Madrid and Chelsea. Still only 23, Kounde displays incredible potential and looks set to pursue the next phase of his career this summer. He would have been a great addition to the Manchester United squad.

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#3. Ben White - Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal: The MIND Series

Ben White is another promising option that Manchester United could have considered instead of Varane.

The Englishman signed for Arsenal from Brighton and Hove Albion in July 2021 for a reported £50 million. White was the target of several clubs in the window, with Arsenal ultimately signing the player on a five-year deal.

White has instilled a fresh ray of hope into the Arsenal backline ever since he signed, displaying excellent defensive acumen, White and the rest of the Gunners' backline have enabled the club to challenge for the top four once again.

White's record since signing speaks for itself; he has been instrumental in the club's defensive success this season. He has kept nine clean sheets for Arsenal this season.

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#2. Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli

US Sassuolo v SSC Napoli - Serie A

Kalidou Koulibaly is a player who has been incessently linked with Manchester United in the past.

The Senegalese plays for Napoli in Serie A and has represented the club for the past seven years. Koulibaly is widely considered one of European football's best defenders.

Koulibaly has bags of experience under his belt and has played over 400 competitive games in his career. He is extremely strong and quick and is renowned as one of the most complete defenders in the game.

Koulibaly has been linked with United several times in the past. There were times when the transfer seemed complete but fell through due to various reasons. Considering Koulibaly is now 30, it is unlikely United would move to sign him.

He should still be an option worth considering, as the Senegalese still plays like he is in the prime of his youth.

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#1. Matthijs De Ligt - Juventus

Chelsea FC v Juventus: Group H - UEFA Champions League

Matthijs De Ligt is one of the world's best young defenders.

The Dutchman made his name with Ajax and received a multitude of offers in the summer of 2019. He went on to sign for Juventus in July 2019 for a reported €75 million, becoming one of the most expensive youngsters in football history.

De Ligt has since grown exponentially as a player. Featuring regularly for the Turin outfit, he has developed his game and evolved into one of the most complete defenders in the world.

The 23-year-old has previously won the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2018 and also Serie A with Juventus in 2020. De Ligt displays an extremely high ceiling and is regarded by many as the brightest prospect in football currently.