Raphael Varane calls out his Man United teammates for not applauding the fans

Raphael Varane vociferously urged his Manchester United teammates to acknowledge the away supporters after the heavy 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.

United’s players trudged off the Anfield turf, perhaps understandably wanting ground to swallow them up, heads bowed after the club’s worst defeat since 1931.

However, Varane and Steve McClaren, one of Erik ten Hag’s assistants, were on hand to insist that they go to the few hundred supporters who – bravely – had stayed.

Sky Sports post-match cameras as crowds swelled on the pitch caught Varane gesticulating wildly and shouting at his teammates to go over and applaud the supporters.

United’s supporters on social media noted Varane’s leadership skills at that particular moment, especially in the context of Bruno Fernandes’ often moody behavior during the match.

Varane was filmed gesturing to his teammates not to just leave the field without permission from the traveling section

The footage shows Varane yelling at his United teammates, including David de Gea, as they walk past him.

“My great Varane, thank you for the applause, you appreciate our time and our energy,” said a supporter of Varane’s efforts after the game.

In footage shared by Laurie Whitwell from Anfield, Varane and McCaren’s insistence that the players do their best became increasingly clear and indeed had a clear impact.

While on the touchline, McClaren urged all United players to walk past him to the far end.

With young players Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia trudging away with their heads very bowed, the former England coach pointed them in the direction of the opposition.

Reports emerged recently about the respect and admiration the current squad holds for the assistant, and it was evident here, with both players making an instant sharp turn to acknowledge the rapidly deflating away section.

Credit to Varane comes amid heavy criticism of Fernandes for his on-pitch behavior during the defeat.

Speaking afterwards, Gary Neville said his irritability on the pitch grew into a “disgrace”.

Questions have been raised about the validity of Bruno Fernandes’ retention of the bracelet

“I’m going to start with Bruno Fernandes,” a furious Neville said. “I’m fed up with him throwing his arms at his teammates; I’m fed up with him not running back; he nags at everyone.’

He added: “He was pushed in the chest and went down holding his face. He has to deliver a captain’s performance and that was not a captain’s performance from a Manchester United player.’

“Fernandes’ body language today was disgraceful,” fellow expert Roy Keane added.

“He’s a really talented kid, he’s your captain. But his body language, waving his arms that don’t run back, you wouldn’t be happy about that.’