Manchester United sign Uruguayan defender Guillermo Varela

Newly appointed Manchester United manager, David Moyes, has acquired Guillermo Varela, Penarol and Uruguay’s U-20 side defender, as his first signing. United revealed the arrival of the Uruguayan right-back for an undisclosed fee which is stated to be around £1m, rising to £2.5m subject to the number of appearances.

Varela, 20, had spent a number of weeks on trial at Old Trafford towards the end of last season and impressed the former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. But it was Moyes who gave a go ahead to sign him from South American giants Penarol, believed to be as a cover for Brazilian Rafael.

Rafael is United’s first choice right-back, with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling also featuring in a bit-part role at right-back last season.

Penarol head coach Jorge Da Silva said: “This is what he deserves. It is a shame to see him go but you can’t deny him this opportunity.”

Varela will travel to Turkey later this month to take part in the World Under-20 Championships with Uruguay.