Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand has declared Manchester United's Raphael Varane an inspiration ahead of tonight's Europa League clash with the Reds.

Varane will not be featuring against the La Liga side due to injury but that did not stop Le Normand praising the Frenchman.

Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "Rafa Varane is an example for me, an inspiration even, someone who went from the French second division to Spain as a young player to win everything with Real Madrid.

"He's one of the best in the world. I played against him a few times. He'd speak to me after the games in French.

"Small chats, he's a good guy, a real competitor in the game but friendly off it. It shows that if you work and you have the talent, the physique, you can reach the top."