When Guillermo Varela joined Manchester United from Penarol on 7th June 2013, he became the first player to sign for the club since David Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson. He had earned trial following an impressive performance at the 2013 South American Youth Championship and subsequently joined United on a five-year contract for a fee believed to be worth around £2 million.
The Uruguayan would only be a spectator as United and Moyes found life after Ferguson difficult, with the dramatic decline in fortune costing the new man his job. Two years on Varela, now twenty-two, has still yet to play for United but he has been handed a squad number- thirty- ahead of pre-season.
His impressive loan spell at Real Madrid’s second team, Castilla, has landed the right back with an opportunity to prove himself to Moyes’ successor Louis van Gaal.
At Castilla, Varela was under the management of the legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who spoke in glowing terms about him. “I knew there was a Uruguayan full-back at Manchester United. I asked to see him and loved him. Luckily we could add him to Real Madrid, where I see a huge future,” said Zidane.
“I’m delighted with Guillermo Varela. He is very serious and professional. He also has a lot of quality and I have no doubts he will make it to the top.”
Zidane would no doubt like to bring Varela back to Madrid, on a more permanent basis, but the Uruguayan will want to prove himself at Old Trafford first.
Since Gary Neville retired in 2011, United have struggled to adequately replace the renowned defender. Rafael had appeared to be the man to do so, the Brazilian enjoyed a terrific season in 2013/13, but he has fallen out of favour under Louis van Gaal and has reportedly been told that he can find a new club.
Antonio Valencia spent most of last season occupying the right back position, and although he was consistent, the Ecuadorian isn’t the permanent answer. He is a winger and in the long term, is best suited to a more forward position.
Even though there a reports suggesting the transfer of Mattia Darmian is close to be completed, the seemingly inevitable departure of Rafael and Valencia being returned to a more forward role, there could well be a role in the team for Guillermo Varela next season.
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