Raphael Varane has seen his move to Manchester United delayed due to a visa issue – but it is a matter of when, not if.United released a statement one week ago confirming they have agreed a deal to sign Varane from Real Madrid. He has been their top target ever since they signed Jadon Sancho and turned their attention to defence. The World Cup winner should be the ideal partner for captain Harry Maguire.Varane will cost United an initial £34m, potentially rising to £42m, which is decent business for a player who is still only 28 and has bundles of experience.But it is not yet clear when he will be available to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as a visa issue is currently holding up the transfer – as reported by the Daily Telegraph.The centre-back still needs to undergo a medical in Manchester and sign his contract to finalise the transfer. He has not been able to travel to England yet, though, because he is waiting for a visa to allow him to work in the country.There are currently no concerns that Varane will not get his visa. However, United are having to wait before they can begin working with their potential new signing.When he does arrive in the UK, Varane will have to undergo a period of quarantine. Therefore, it will likely be at least another week before he can begin training with his new teammates.Where that puts him in terms of contention for United’s season opener remains to be seen. They get their campaign underway against Leeds on August 14th, a game in which they will hope to have Varane involved.But if he has not been able to train for long before then, how much they will be able to rely on him remains unclear.One thing is clear, though: when Varane gets into his full rhythm, he should be a crucial player for the Red Devils.While it will be a couple of weeks yet before the Maguire-Varane partnership will be in action, expectations are already high.Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips said the combination has the potential to be as good as what United had in the Sir Alex Ferguson era.You build a good side with a solid defence, Phillips told Football Insider. Varane coming in alongside Harry Maguire, with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a very good backline.Wan-Bissaka is due a good season and Shaw was brilliant during the summer.From the era I played in when you had your Ferdinands and Vidics, its like Man Utd are getting back to that.Bringing in established players with that quality and in Varane they have that, hes brilliant.I imagine the players are delighted. It gives you a load of confidence, especially for the attackers.They now have two of the best in the world for that position, maybe its a sign of the times that they are getting back to where they once were.READ MORE: Man Utd turn the corner after rejecting dream move that couldve tempted