Manchester United's new ruthless and relentless pursuit of Raphael Varane has signalled the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford – and it even stretched to a presentation by the club's newlook backroom staff to finally land their long-term target.
Led by director of football negotiations Matt Judge, the Red Devils' usual complex process of negotiating deals, which has been heavily criticised in the past, is no more with Judge now spearheading the club's new transfer policy.
According to The Telegraph, Judge's keen and sharp eye in the presentation helped wow the Frenchman before they finally agreed a deal in principle earlier this week.
Manchester United put together an impressive and persuasive pitch to land Raphael Varane
United's football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher also helped drive home the culture and philosphy at Old Trafford, with United been chasing the defender for the last two years.
Under chief executive Ed Woodward, who is set to depart the club later this year, fans became extremely frustrated with how deals became drawn out over long periods with little success.
Now, in a summer where they've already landed Jadon Sancho in a £73m deal, the tide is turning in the north west of England.
On Monday, United confirmed that they had agreed a £42m fee, including £34m up front and £8m in add-ons, with both club and player having already struck a deal over personal terms and an announcement has followed on Tuesday night.
United chiefs John Murtough (left) and Darren Fletcher (right) have helped persuaded Varane
In a short statement, the club said: 'Manchester United is delighted to announce the club has reached agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of French international defender and World Cup winner, Raphael Varane, subject to a medical and to player terms being finalised.'
Real Madrid heaped praise on Varane for his trophy-laden decade in the Spanish capital, saying: 'Our club thanks you for your professionalism and exemplary behavior during the ten seasons in which you have defended our shirt, with which you have won 18 titles: 4 Champions League, 4 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 3 Leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups.
'Real Madrid wants to show all its
