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Football

06th Mar 2023

Raphael Varane calls out Man United teammates for not applauding fans

Callum Boyle

It’s the least they could’ve done.

Video footage has emerged on social media of Raphael Varane berating his Manchester United teammates and forcing them to go and applaud their travelling fans.

Man United’s players attempted to leave the pitch untraced after their 7-0 thrashing away at Liverpool, the club’s heaviest defeat since 1931.

Varane and one of Erik ten Hag’s assistants, Steve McClaren, were on hand to ensure that the squad went over to show their appreciation for the few that stayed for the duration of the game.

Sky Sports cameras spotted the former Real Madrid man wildly gesturing and shouting at the rest of the United players, urging them to come over and face the music.

Raphael Varane calls out Man United teammates for not applauding fans.

Supporters on social media spotted the defender’s leadership skills, especially after the well-documented display from the captain on the day, Bruno Fernandes.

“Despite the horrible result, I want to congratulate Varane on screaming at the United players to go over to the away fans, captain material,” wrote one fan.

Another tweeted: “Raphael Varane shouted at his Man United teammates to go applaud the away fans at full time. A leader even in the difficult moments.”

Praise for Varane comes after Fernandes was placed under intense scrutiny for his poor leadership skills and display on the pitch at Anfield.

Gary Neville and Roy Keane were both equally critical of the Portugal international.

“Bruno Fernandes is stood in the centre circle with his arms raised saying ‘Why isn’t it me coming off?’ Honestly,” said Neville.

“I think some of his behaviour in the second half has been a disgrace.”

Bruno Fernandes can wind you up sometimes because of the way he is, but that was appalling in the second half.”

Keane added: “Fernandes’ body language today was nothing short of disgraceful. A really talented boy, he’s your captain, but his body language, waving his arms, not running back, you wouldn’t be happy with him in your dressing room.”

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