Raphael Varane stars as Jadon Sancho struggles in contrasting full Man Utd debuts

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It truly is remarkable that there were ever any conversations over four-time Champions League and World Cup winner Raphael Varane’s ability to adapt to the Premier League.

Some English top-flight viewers naively assumed that because the 28-year-old has plied his trade in one of the best teams in recent history over the past decade, he’d become soft at the core and weak when crunch time arrived.

Raphael Varane, Adama TraoreRaphael Varane, Adama Traore

The ultimate physical battle / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

All of the usual drivel came spewing out over the intensity of the best league in the world, the number of crosses he’d have to face and of course, the physicality of the Premier League. Snore.

Now, if there’s one ultimate trial by fire, it’s probably coming up against the aerial threat of Raul Jimenez, and the human wrecking ball that is Adama Traore. The Spanish winger is a terrifying prospect to face on the football pitch, as demonstrated by his constant destruction of tackle master Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

It was a long Sunday afternoon for Manchester United against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but despite the awkward nature of their opponents, the Red Devils escaped with a 1-0 victory. Varane played a huge part in that win, leading by example and slotting seamlessly into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backline.

The centre-back started in confident fashion, showing good quality in possession and a calmness to bring others into play. His defensive skills were tested almost immediately too, when Traore took flight on a barreling run towards the Man Utd penalty area.

Varane used all his experience to slow him down and wait for help to arrive in the form of Harry Maguire. This partnership instantly looks like it can be a success for Solskjaer.

The Red Devils rode their luck at times and had to rely on David de Gea’s breathtaking double save to stay level, but given the lack of any midfield presence ahead of them, the back line did a decent job as a unit.

The French defender then played his part in the winning goal too, whipping the ball out wide with a crisp pass to Mason Greenwood, and the English forward did the rest. It was an excellent assist, putting the necessary pace on the ball to show the urgency of Man Utd’s situation.

At the end, it was backs against the wall, and once again, Varane stood firm.

He rose highest on several occasions to head high balls away from the box, withstanding a barrage of crosses and physical duels. You can chalk that up as a pretty sensational debut then, and an emphatic answer to all the unfounded criticism that has fallen his way.

On the other hand, it was a full debut to forget for Jadon Sancho. The winger appeared to be the one suffering from teething problems in a new division, caught out by the pace of the game, often finding himself stood in an offside position.

The former Borussia Dortmund star couldn’t get the better of marker Nelson Semedo, and enjoyed even less success when switching flanks to try to spark a bit of magic. In the end, Solskjaer decided to bring on Anthony Martial in his place, bringing his frustrating debut to a close.

Nelson Semedo, Jadon SanchoNelson Semedo, Jadon Sancho

An afternoon to forget for Sancho / Michael Regan/Getty Images

It was only his first start in a new side, however, so let’s not go too overboard in labelling him a flop or a waste of money.

Sancho is insanely talented, and in the right conditions, he will thrive. The winger was unfortunate to be part of a team that simply wasn’t functioning at even half capacity on Sunday, and was offered little support by a lacklustre midfield.

Nearly every player needs some time to adapt, and some more than others. Then there are genuinely world-class players like Varane, who can morph to thrive in any situation.

Man Utd’s transfer business has been excellent this summer, but the signing of the Frenchman is the pick of the bunch.