Manchester United’s search for a right back this summer is in full swing. With just one natural first team right back in the squad, Rafael, it is easy to see why Louis van Gaal deems it necessary to send scouts across Europe in an attempt to bolster the defence in preparation for next season.
The Red Devils played the majority of last season with Antonio Valencia occupying the right back spot. Although the Ecuadorian held his place ahead of Rafael fairly convincingly, he didn’t always look like the most natural full back. While his attacking displays raised eyebrows, defensively he lacked the consistency to be able to stamp his ground on the position permanently.
United have been linked with various right backs already this summer, ranging from Dani Alves to Seamus Coleman. But do United have a right back already in their ranks who’s capable of being a first-team player?
Step forward Guillermo Varela. A 22-year-old right back who’s been at United since 2013. The youngster was David Moyes’ first signing for United, and spent all of last season on loan at Real Madrid Catilla – something which could have potentially turned into a permanent move. Varela made 33 appearances for the Spanish side, and he impressed! Zinedine Zidane, Castilla’s manager and former France World Cup Winner, voiced his approval in December over Varela:
“I asked to see him and loved him.”
“Luckily we could add him to Real Madrid, where I see a huge future.”
“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.”
But now it seems the player will have a future in the red of Manchester rather than the white of Madrid, after being recalled and named on the 35 man squad on the Official Manchester United Website.
So is Varela ready for a first-team chance? At 22-years-old it is certainly the right time to give it a go, and it is unlikely he would make a bad impression on LvG, as his ability on the ball is certainly good enough for the Premier League, and technically he is very proficient. He has often been compared to former United full back Gabriel Heinze, something which can’t be bad at all.
I think it is likely Van Gaal will give Varela a chance on the club’s pre-season tour to the US. But whether or not he will be risked in the first team remains to be seen.