Raphael Varane insists Manchester United can beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final and has discussed stopping Erling Haaland.
Manchester United take on their fierce rivals in the FA Cup final at Wembley this weekend, the first-ever Manchester Derby meeting in the competition’s final.
United will start as underdogs against a Manchester City side who are chasing treble success under Pep Guardiola this season, with the Citizens’ charge inspired by the goals of Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian has scored 52 goals in all competitions during an astonishing first season at the Etihad and Varane opened up on the challenge of defending against the forward and team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.
“Haaland has a good connection with De Bruyne,” Varane told the Times. “That kind of pass is complicated to defend against so we [will] try to cut that connection. We will try to stop them earlier and not at the end, because sometimes it’s too late. We know we must be strong as a team.
“Haaland is a very good player, but the danger from City is everywhere. They are very complete but we can beat any team. We showed that this season. We know we can beat them.”
United ended a six-year wait for silverware with League Cup success earlier this season and can complete a domestic cup double with a win at Wembley this weekend, and Varane insists that the Red Devils are not focused on stopping City’s pursuit of the treble.
“We want to win for the club, not to stop City,” the four-times Champions League winner said. “We want to develop and be on the top at Manchester United as well.
“When you start winning you can change the mentality and be more prepared to win more and the biggest trophies.”
