Manchester United have a squad capable of winning this season’s Champions League, according to defender Raphael Varane.
United have made their worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1989-90, and were beaten at home by Crystal Palace at the weekend, a result that left them 10th in the Premier League after seven games.
Nevertheless, Varane, who won the Champions League four times during his time at Real Madrid, is confident they can succeed in Europe’s elite club competition.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s home game with Galatasaray, the former France international said: “Yes, I think so. I think the quality is in the squad. The competition is difficult, you have to take care of every detail, but we have a team with quality, with a good mentality.
“Yeah, we have to make some improvements, it’s not the start of the season we expected, but I still believe we have the quality to compete with the best teams in the world.
“I think the competition is about details and you have to be efficient to win the competition. I think we can improve on being more efficient in front of goal.
“That’s the reality of top-level football, you need to be efficient to win trophies.
“I think we have the quality in the squad to play and to win the competition but we have to improve and tomorrow is a great opportunity to get the first points in the competition.”
The 30-year-old is one of the senior members of Erik ten Hag’s squad and he hopes his leadership will benefit the promising crop of youngsters coming through at Old Trafford.
“I think they are doing well,” he added. “They bring energy to the team. They are still learning which is normal and the players with more experience…it’s important they lead by example.
“We have a lot to do and as leaders we have to show them and talk to them. Hopefully they can bring talent and passion to the pitch and improve the squad.”
