Varela Makes Senior United Debut

Guillermo Varela has had to wait patiently for his first appearance since joining Manchester United from Penarol in June 2013 after spending last season on loan at Real Madrid's Castilla team.

The full-back became the second Uruguayan to represent the club, as he made his debut as a second-half substitute in the Barclays Premier League game against West Ham United at Old Trafford.

Varela was given the opportunity as Paddy McNair added to United’s list of injury concerns and his immediate involvement in English top-flight football began somewhat unfairly as, when West Ham kicked off for the second half, he was on the opposite side of the field to his right-back position.

Unfazed, Varela made his way over to the right to make one of a number of important challenges, which demonstrated the ability of the 22-year-old. The Uruguayan had a cross blocked in the latter stages of the game which showed his willingness to go forward and did not look out of place.

The promising defender has also impressed United legend Lou Macari, who told MUTV afterwards: "He’s been playing well in the Reserves and he’s got the talent. Today has been the first little indication that maybe he’s going to get a chance in the first team."

Varela will be hoping to build on his first 45 minutes for United and could be in contention to make the flight to Wolfsburg on Monday ahead of the Champions League tie in midweek.