Kobbie Mainoo reveals ‘great advice’ Raphaël Varane told him before Man United departure

Kobbie Mainoo has shared the valuable advice he received from Raphaël Varane before the esteemed defender’s departure from Manchester United.

Varane, now 31, concluded his tenure at Manchester United at the end of the previous season, following the team’s triumphant FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. Varane’s stint at Old Trafford spanned three seasons, during which he brought with him the experience and skill honed over his years at Real Madrid.

During his time with United, Varane, a four-time Champions League winner, played a crucial role within the squad. His performance in the FA Cup final at Wembley last weekend served as a potent reminder of his abilities. Despite facing several challenges, including injuries, Varane’s wealth of knowledge and experience undoubtedly influenced the younger players at Carrington.One such player who benefited from Varane’s mentorship is Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo had an impressive debut season with United’s first team, culminating in scoring the decisive goal in the FA Cup final. Looking ahead, he is anticipated to join the England squad in Germany for the European Championships.

Mainoo has already started to implement significant changes in his routine, drawing from the crucial advice he received from Varane. In a conversation with Dazed during his first cover shoot after signing with Nike, Mainoo disclosed Varane’s guidance: “Raphaël told me one thing, which was great advice: the best investment you make is investing in your body. Obviously, as a footballer, your body is your instrument; it’s what you use. So I took that on board.” This advice has profoundly influenced Mainoo’s approach to his career. Despite making his first appearance only in November, he played an impressive 33 games last season and is expected to continue his rigorous schedule before the new season starts.

Dazed, in their detailed article about Mainoo’s interview, noted that he has incorporated specific practices into his post-training routine to ensure optimal recovery and rest. Mainoo mentioned, “Obviously, I see physios outside of the club to keep myself fresh, but most of the time, I just like to chill.” Varane’s mentorship clearly left a lasting impact on Mainoo, who is now poised to continue his ascent in professional football with a heightened focus on maintaining his physical condition. This strategic approach, inspired by Varane’s sage advice, underscores the importance of investing in one’s health and well-being, which is crucial for a sustained and successful career in football. Kobbie Mainoo recently shared how Raphaël Varane’s mentorship has significantly influenced his career at Manchester United. Varane, who left United at the end of the previous season after a successful stint, emphasized the importance of investing in one’s body. This advice profoundly impacted Mainoo, who had an impressive debut season, including scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Mainoo, now preparing for the European Championships with England, has adopted a rigorous approach to maintaining his physical condition, including seeing physiotherapists outside the club. His routine, inspired by Varane’s advice, focuses on ensuring optimal recovery and rest, highlighting the importance of health and well-being for a sustained career in football.