The Manchester United Thread X

Manchester United have signed a four-year sponsorship with Mexican banking group INVEX.

This new agreement will give INVEX the exclusive rights to produce and market Manchester United branded credit cards to the club’s 24 million Mexican followers.

What sort of a player is he?
He's a quick, aggressive right-back who has a real willingness to defend. In that respect, he's not a typical South American defender in terms of wanting to be a forward player and joining in attacks as a winger.

What are his strengths?
As well as his desire to defend, he is a composed individual and nothing seems to faze him. Overall, he's a no-nonsense defender who reads the game well and uses his intelligence.

What can he improve on?
His pace allows him to get forward to join attacks quickly but his attacking work is probably the area he will aim to develop most at United.

Why has he not been playing regularly for Penarol?
Penarol manager Jorge Da Silva arrived in February 2012 and brought with him a number of players from his former club, Banfield. This limited Varela’s first-team opportunities.

When did he catch United's eye?
Playing in the Under-20 World Cup qualifiers for Uruguay in Argentina. He was playing with team-mates he was not familiar with and yet still displayed a good understanding of the game. Despite a tough schedule in very hot temperatures, his stamina and strength shone through while other players wilted.

How did his trial period at Carrington pan out?
He was with the first team for 10 days or so at the end of the season. It was a unique trial in many ways because he trained with the first team during his entire spell. Obviously, if you're not up to that level, you get exposed quickly in the first-team group but his performances are believed to have impressed Sir Alex and the rest of the players.

Which former United player is he most like?
Although he is not as big physically yet, there is a little bit of Gabriel Heinze's style about him in terms of his approach to the game. If he does as well as the Argentinian, everybody will be delighted.

Will he be able to settle in a new country?
There is already a group of young Spanish-speakers at Old Trafford – the likes of David De Gea, Javier Hernandez and Angelo Henriquez – who can help him with the language and adapting to life in Manchester. Hernandez was a big help on the training pitch during his trial period, passing on the coaching instructions.

So, what's next?
The Under-20 World Cup in Turkey (21 June to 13 July). It will be another challenge for him and United have a good presence at the tournament (Henriquez with Chile; Tom Thorpe, Sam Johnstone and Larnell Cole with England). Brazil and Argentina did not qualify, which was a surprise, but it gives other teams and players a chance to impress and the Reds will be keeping a close eye on events.