If you'd have asked football fans across the nation, and across the world, who Guillermo Varela just last week, you would have heard simply 'I dunno' or 'Not sure'. However, this week, would bring another answer. David Moyes, who is to become the manager of Manchester United in a few weeks time, is set to announce Guillermo Varela as his first signing as the boss in the summer transfer window. Varela, a full-back, does have history with Manchester United though. At the end of last season, Varela left his Uruguayan side Penarol and spent two weeks on loan in Manchester. It's turned out to be a great move, but coaches liking what they see, and managing to get the player for such a small fee, of just £1 million.
Now Varela may not be the sort of player you would expect a club like Manchester United to buy. With big clubs already splashing the cash, many expected Manchester United to join in before the best of the best was gone. Manchester City had already bought Fernandinho, and were expected to buy Jesus Navas, with Carlos Tevez almost on his way out. Chelsea have bought Schurrle, and AS Monaco over in France seem to be buying everyone possible. However, Manchester United haven't done this yet. Could it be part of a plan for David Moyes? He has been linked to stars such as Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, but also the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Nevertheless, if you look back at the history of recent transfers by Manchester United, you will see they don't often spend megabucks on one player. The signing of Robin van Persie last year came as a shock to many, with Sir Alex going against his usual ideas of young and cheap, to then be developed. Wilfried Zaha. A young player, who can be developed, signed recently. Nick Powell followed Ferguson's ideas from Crewe. Some of Manchester United's best buys have come in the form of cheap players. Edwin van Der Sar become the best Manchester United goalkeeper for a while, and De Gea only seems to have the potential to be as good shining through now. Manchester United paid just £2 million for van Der Sar, who become a goalkeeping legend for the side. Peter Schmeichel is another example. Bought for just £550 thousand, and helped lead United to be the first English side to win the treble. Varela could well become one of those players.
Guillermo is yet to establish himself within the Penarol first side, but was seen by many, impressing many coaches during the South American U20 Championship, lining up in the defense of Uruguay frequently. Varela's exceptional form was a key reason for the country's success, finishing third just behind Paraguay and eventual winners Colombia. His performances helped him as a player too, being spotted by Manchester United staff and given the opportunity on loan, which has since led to this signing. David Moyes will not have seen Varela in action because of this, but will take the word of coaches, who are known to be some of the best around the world.
The transfer will undoubtedly put pressure on current right-back Rafael, who after a shaky start, seems to have improved dramatically over the recent season. Rafael joined Manchester United with twin brother Fabio, and was seen to be excellent attacking from the back. However, many fans of the Reds were unsure, as his defensive performances were not as stable. However, as he matures, he understands more and his performances are improving. Varela should be given the chance to perform soon, particularly with pre-season friendlies still to play, and could fight Rafael for his place in the starting line-up.
I hope Guillermo is given the right chance to play, and in the right circumstances, as what I have seen and heard about the young right-back, he has the potential to feature for Manchester United regularly in the future, as the new Red Devil.
Now Varela may not be the sort of player you would expect a club like Manchester United to buy. With big clubs already splashing the cash, many expected Manchester United to join in before the best of the best was gone. Manchester City had already bought Fernandinho, and were expected to buy Jesus Navas, with Carlos Tevez almost on his way out. Chelsea have bought Schurrle, and AS Monaco over in France seem to be buying everyone possible. However, Manchester United haven't done this yet. Could it be part of a plan for David Moyes? He has been linked to stars such as Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, but also the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Nevertheless, if you look back at the history of recent transfers by Manchester United, you will see they don't often spend megabucks on one player. The signing of Robin van Persie last year came as a shock to many, with Sir Alex going against his usual ideas of young and cheap, to then be developed. Wilfried Zaha. A young player, who can be developed, signed recently. Nick Powell followed Ferguson's ideas from Crewe. Some of Manchester United's best buys have come in the form of cheap players. Edwin van Der Sar become the best Manchester United goalkeeper for a while, and De Gea only seems to have the potential to be as good shining through now. Manchester United paid just £2 million for van Der Sar, who become a goalkeeping legend for the side. Peter Schmeichel is another example. Bought for just £550 thousand, and helped lead United to be the first English side to win the treble. Varela could well become one of those players.
Guillermo is yet to establish himself within the Penarol first side, but was seen by many, impressing many coaches during the South American U20 Championship, lining up in the defense of Uruguay frequently. Varela's exceptional form was a key reason for the country's success, finishing third just behind Paraguay and eventual winners Colombia. His performances helped him as a player too, being spotted by Manchester United staff and given the opportunity on loan, which has since led to this signing. David Moyes will not have seen Varela in action because of this, but will take the word of coaches, who are known to be some of the best around the world.
The transfer will undoubtedly put pressure on current right-back Rafael, who after a shaky start, seems to have improved dramatically over the recent season. Rafael joined Manchester United with twin brother Fabio, and was seen to be excellent attacking from the back. However, many fans of the Reds were unsure, as his defensive performances were not as stable. However, as he matures, he understands more and his performances are improving. Varela should be given the chance to perform soon, particularly with pre-season friendlies still to play, and could fight Rafael for his place in the starting line-up.
I hope Guillermo is given the right chance to play, and in the right circumstances, as what I have seen and heard about the young right-back, he has the potential to feature for Manchester United regularly in the future, as the new Red Devil.
