Raphael Varane has declared Manchester United players need to work hard in training to adhere to new manager Erik ten Hag's philosophy.
The former Ajax boss has been tasked with reviving United's struggling team. The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season, recording their lowest points tally since the 1989-90 term (58) while missing out on Champions League qualification.
Ten Hag boasts an impressive CV, winning three Eredivisie titles and working under Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich. The Dutchman made the perfect start to his United career by thrashing bitter rivals Liverpool 4-0 in a pre-season friendly in Bangkok on Tuesday.
Goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred, Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri secured a stunning victory against Jurgen Klopp's much-changed outfit. Although Liverpool did not play a full-strength side, the result is still a very promising sign for United after their recent woes.
The Red Devils have won just three major trophies since legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013 - the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League - and haven't tasted glory in any competition for five years. It's their most-unsuccessful era for four decades.
Nevertheless, Varane believes United can achieve success under Ten Hag. "We tried to keep the ball in possession and we tried to press very high on the pitch, so this is a very physical style," the former Real Madrid defender said after United's big win. "That’s why we know we have to work very hard in training sessions and we try to be ready."
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Ten Hag's style also involves goalkeeper David de Gea building from the back. "We try, as I say, to keep the ball in possession, to play very fast and play forward when it’s possible," added Varane. "So, yeah, we enjoy to play like this and we try to improve and to get fit."
Varane has also praised Ten Hag's clarity. "We know exactly how we want to play," he said. "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. We’re working a lot, so we try to be absolutely ready for the beginning of the season. This is just the start of the pre-season, so it’s just the beginning, but we know exactly where we want to go."
Varane joined United from Real Madrid last August and is looking forward to getting a proper pre-season under his belt after a turbulent summer 12 months ago. He struggled with injuries during his first season in England, playing just 22 Premier League games.
"Personally, it’s an opportunity for me to have a real pre-season, to get fit and to be ready because it’ll be a very long season with a lot of games and high intensity," noted Varane.
"I will try to be ready and to be fit, and obviously I’m very excited for this season coming and I’m very happy to be with Manchester and in this great club. We will try to win some trophies."
