In his latest podcast, renowned journalist Romano reveals that Manchester United's priority this summer is to find a top center back, and they currently have their sights set on French compatriots Varane and Conde, both of whom play in La Liga. So which of the two is more attractive to United?
In terms of strength, Varane is undoubtedly Conde's strongest rival, with almost all the top prizes in his honor roll, and as a double World Cup and Champions League winner, such an achievement is not easy to come by. Known for his height and speed, Varane is good at getting back to the defense quickly, and his long legs and speedy running ability enable him to easily cut off opponents' attacks, an advantage that fills in for United captain Maguire's slow turnaround.
Despite Maguire's precision and accuracy in tackling, his slow turnaround speed makes him an easy breakthrough for opponents. If Varane joins the team, this defect is expected to be remedied, the formation of front and back of the field closely linked defense, which is exactly what Manchester United is looking forward to. Although Varane's mistakes in the Champions League in the last two seasons have led to a setback in self-confidence, this is not due to a lack of personal ability, perhaps he just needs a suitable platform to regain his form, and Manchester United is an excellent choice.
In contrast, Conde, who now plays for Sevilla, is characterized by his short stature and is considered short among center backs despite being 184cm tall. This type of center back is better suited to play in a specific formation. In fact, it is not unfeasible for Conde to partner with Maguire, as his short stature brings high sensitivity that complements Maguire's rugged style.
Surprisingly, despite being 6 years younger than Varane, Conde's value is comparable. Conde is seen as having unlimited potential, while Varane tends to be stereotypical and even trending downwards. From United's point of view, there is a risk in choosing either Varane or Conde. Choosing Varane could face a player who loses confidence and slips in form, while choosing Conde could face a player who will not be able to reach the expected level in the future.
