Rio Ferdinand delivered a very clear message as he embraced Manchester United's latest signing Raphael Varane on the Old Trafford touchline. "Win, win, win."
Ahead of the club's highly-anticipated Premier League opener against Leeds on Saturday afternoon, those behind the scenes at United decided to unveil the £42 million capture from Real Madrid in front of a capacity crowd.
Varane held the famous red shirt aloft as chants of "Ole, Ole, Ole" rang around the stadium. It was a real moment.
✍️ He's here. It's signed.
- Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 14, 2021
Welcome to Manchester United, welcome to Old Trafford, Raphaël Varane! :wave:
Even a hug for @rioferdy5... pic.twitter.com/XCMlSLtvKl
After taking a selfie near the centre-circle, the four-time Champions League winner approached former United defender Ferdinand, who was working for BT Sport as a pundit.
The meeting was no coincidence. Growing up, the former Manchester United centre-back was Varane's idol growing up. In fact, Ferdinand said he sent a text to the Frenchman before he penned a four-year deal at Old Trafford.
And clearly, the respect between the pair is huge. In the below footage, you can hear former England international say: "Good luck, okay. Win, win, win. Speak to you later."
Ferdinand/Varane, :heart_eyes:. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/o2JgcgnyNZ
- Kanaaneh IV :flag_ps: (@NAKanaaneh) August 14, 2021
I love how Ferdinand told Varane "Win Win Win" at his unveiling. That's the spirit for the season. :muscle:
- Marvellous Aham-adi :panda_face: (@dikachi_) August 14, 2021
Rio Ferdinand hugged Raphael Varane and said Win Win Win.
- [email protected]@n7:flag_in: (@UnitedNMB) August 14, 2021
That was awesome!!
The 28-year-old is set to bring a huge amount of experience to the fold at Old Trafford after a trophy-laden 10 year spell in Madrid - and former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand is a big admirer of Varane.
In an Instagram Q&A with his followers, Ferdinand responded to a fan who said: "Can you drop Varane a text since you were his idol?"
He replied suggesting he had already sent him a message, saying: "Already have done. Agent Ferdy."

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Featured Image Credit: BT Sport
Topics: Leeds, Manchester United, Premier League, Rio Ferdinand, Raphael Varane
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