RAPHAEL VARANE told a packed press conference that Manchester United had enough quality to be the best team in Europe.
The silence around the room was deafening.
Raphael Varane believes Manchester United can win the Champions LeagueGetty
Right now, they are tenth in England — one place and two points behind Crystal Palace.
As United prepare to face Galatasaray tonight, any thoughts of them going deep into the Champions League this season are fanciful in the extreme.
Varane, a four-time winner of the competition with Real Madrid, probably knows that.
But what else could he say when asked if Erik ten Hag’s squad was good enough to lift the biggest prize in club football?
Frenchman Varane, 30, said: “Yes, I think so. The quality is in the squad.
“This competition is difficult. You have to take care of every detail but we have a team with quality, with a good mentality and we have to make some improvements.
“It’s not the start of the season we expected but I still believe we have the quality enough to compete with the best teams in the world.”
United lost a thrilling Group A opener 4-3 against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich last month.
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United were beaten by Bayern Munich in their group stage openerGetty
And 2018 World Cup winner Varane believes they need just a little bit more efficiency in front of goal.
He said: “You have to be efficient to win the Champions League.
“We need to create a lot to score, so that’s the reality of the top level.
“You have to be efficient to win big trophies.
“We have the quality in the squad to win the competition. But we have to improve and this is a great opportunity to get the first points in the competition and move forward.”
Boss Ten Hag echoed the veteran centre-back’s sentiments about United’s chances.
The Dutchman, 53, said: “We have the quality to win the competition.”
But current evidence suggests otherwise, particularly in front of goal.
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In terms of goals scored, United have made their worst start to a league season in 16 years — with just seven in as many top-flight games.
Marcus Rashford hit a career-best 30 goals in all competitions last season.
But the 25-year-old has had just six shots on target so far this term — and only one has gone in. He was subbed in the 77th minute of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace after a poor performance.
Ten Hag said: “He is not scoring but has had opportunities. If he invests, every day, goes with the right focus and if the team around him supply and help him and support him with movement, it will come.
“Marcus is a player who is capable of scoring in every game and when he comes in the right spot, he will score.
“You have to deal with it and experienced players can.
“It is not the first time we are in this situation.
Erik ten Hag’s side have made their worst start for 34 years
“It is not a career of highlights, the journey will go with bumps, gaps will be in between and now it’s about character. Character as an individual, as a team.
“As you see, there are many, many positives.”
After losing to Bayern, tonight’s Old Trafford clash with Galatasaray already feels like a must-win game.
And it will not be easy against a side who drew their first match 2-2 at home to Copenhagen and are unbeaten in the Turkish Super Lig after six wins and a draw.
Brazil winger Antony, 23, is available after being given time off to deal with allegations of domestic abuse.
Ten Hag was asked what message his return sent to victims of domestic abuse.
He added: “He co-operated fully and it came out that he’s not charged.”