Pundit issues ‘incredible’ Man United claim after Raphael Varane twist
Alan Hutton has suggested the pressure of playing at Man United is mentally draining for Raphael Varane.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa right-back said the amount of fixtures being played is “incredible” compared to when he used to play.
On 2 February, the 29-year-old announced his retirement from international football, despite still being one of the country’s best defenders.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News (4 February), in an interview with French outlet Canal+ Varane explained his decision to quit the French national team.
The centre-back said that he felt like he was “suffocating” amid the intense fixture schedule and compared playing to being in a “washing machine” where “you never stop”.
Hutton understands Varane’s concerns.
“It definitely takes its toll,” he told Football Insider.
“A lot of the players who were at the World Cup are not really performing to what they were at this stage last season.
“Of course it takes its toll. Nowadays recovery is better, the way the players are looked after are better.
“But when you take somebody like Varane who plays at the top level, you are going to be challenging on all fronts. That is something that you have to get used to at the top clubs.
“It used to be that 30 games was considered a long season. Now players are playing 60, it is incredible. Nowadays you just have to look after yourself to be able to recover and go again.
“I understand what he is saying but you would rather play games than not. It is the pressure side of it that is probably mentally draining as well.“
In other news, according to sources, Man United are in advanced talks over £30m David de Gea deal.