'A ballerina in a mosh pit': Raphael Varane takes Premier League debut in his elegant stride
It was only 140 seconds into the game when Raphael Varane received his introduction to the Premier League, as the human cannonball Adama Traore came hurtling towards him at full speed.
Traore has struck fear into the hearts of many centre-halves and full-backs with his direct running, but Varane has pretty much seen it all before across a gilded career.
This was the eagerly awaited debut for Manchester United's new £42.7 million signing from Real Madrid, and here was a crash course in the intensity and unpredictability of English’s top division.
Perhaps remarkably, United secured their first clean sheet in 11 matches, with Varane producing a classy performance which included an unexpected assist for Mason Greenwood’s decisive goal.
While hysteria and hyperbole have surrounded the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jadon Sancho’s £73 million capture, Varane’s performance suggested he will play a key role in a new era for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Calm and composed, a ballerina in the moshpit, he utilised all his positional awareness and experience to help United escape the Black Country with their unbeaten start intact.
Solskjaer said: “It was a top performance and he showed his class. This was his welcome to the Premier League, the tempo and hustle and bustle, how to defend at counter-attacks.
“Nothing fazes him and he was good in the dressing room before the game and at half time. I was delighted with his performance.”
A World Cup winner, Varane offers United’s defence the pace that is lacking in Harry Maguire, his centre-back partner, and his heading ability from set pieces was particularly impressive here.
Time and time again he rose to power away corners and free kicks from Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho, clearing the danger as the home team subjected the visitors to almost relentless pressure.
There were also some nervy moments. He was pushed aside by defender Romain Saiss far too easily in the second half for Wolves’ best chance of the game, when David de Gea produced an outstanding double save from close range.
Varane also had to organise a defence which was offered no protection by Fred, who produced a poor performance and was a liability in the opening quarter of an hour.
Yet there was still enough from his debut to fill Solskjaer with optimism, as United secured their first shut-out since April 25 away at Leeds.
It was a quiet afternoon for Sancho, Solskjaer’s other high-profile summer signing. Pursued by United for the last two summers, Sancho arrived from Borussia Dortmund with a stellar reputation but it is proving a slow-burner so far. That is putting it politely, on this evidence.
On his first United start, he was ineffective and almost hesitant for much of the match, often dropping deep to help out his midfield.
There was a nightmarish moment for Sancho in the 13th minute, as he chested a cross back into his own area and into the path of Moutinho, but the Portuguese could not punish him by hitting the target.
The sensational signing of Ronaldo has somewhat taken the attention away from Sancho, who was replaced by Anthony Martial 18 minutes from the end.
Meanwhile, Bruno Lage, the new Wolves head coach, must be wondering how he has yet to see his team score in the league.
After three matches Wolves are yet to find the net and this was another promising, yet at the same time excruciating, afternoon.
With the focus on high-intensity, attacking football, Lage has already provided encouragement that this season will banish the lethargy of those final 12 months under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Entertainment is what Wolves owners Fosun are seeking from Lage, who guided Benfica to the league title in 2019 after winning 18 of his final 19 matches, with the team scoring 72 goals.
But here the goals continue to elude his side, and it was Varane who proved pivotal in extending Lage’s wait for lift-off.
