Raphael Varane unavailable for Man Utd opener against Leeds, Jadon Sancho will play

Raphael Varane will not be involved in Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Leeds but Jadon Sancho is set to feature. 

The club confirmed that they reached an agreement over Varane’s transfer some time ago but he still has not been announced as a United player. In order for him to be involved on Saturday he would have had to be registered by Friday lunchtime - a deadline which has now passed. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed the news in his pre-match press conference, saying (via Simon Stone): “[He has] not trained with us. All the details are not done yet. Takes time. Unfortunately with isolation, not 100% done. I can say he won’t be involved as not trained. Big hold up is isolation. It will be done soon.”

The United boss also gave an update on the availability of Sancho. Reports have been conflicting over whether or not he would play, but Solskjaer said that he would likely make his debut against Leeds.

"Jadon [Sancho] is going to be involved [against Leeds]. He's had a good week. Unfortunately he was ill after his holiday so he missed out on a few days of training — can't tell you if he is going to start though."

After being backed in the transfer market again, Solskjaer will be aiming to secure some silverware this campaign. Last season the club finished 12 points adrift of Manchester City in second and fell to a disappointing defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League final.

Asked whether he saw United as Premier League contenders this season, Solskjaer said: "Well we have gradually closed the gaps. Nothing is beyond these players, I wouldn't put it past them. It will need a very, very good season. You want to come to April and May and be in that."