Many Manchester United fans vividly remember the last signing of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Wilfried Zaha, but far fewer recall the player who ushered in the post-Ferguson chapter. That honour falls to Guillermo Varela, a largely forgotten figure who could line up against England this Friday in an international fixture.
The Overlooked Arrival at Old Trafford
Guillermo Varela joined Manchester United from Penarol in 2013, marking David Moyes' first acquisition as manager. The Uruguayan full-back, however, struggled to make an impact during his time at the club. His stint was characterised by loan moves, and he managed only four Premier League appearances before eventually returning to his former club.
In many ways, Varela was considered Sir Alex Ferguson's parting gift to United. The legendary manager personally oversaw the transfer after being impressed during a trial period. Despite this endorsement, Varela failed to win over Ferguson's successors, with David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho all opting not to utilise him regularly.
The Tattoo Controversy That Derailed His Career
Varela's prospects took a severe hit during a 2017 loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt. He was in contention to play in the DFB-Pokal Final against Borussia Dortmund but was controversially ruled out. Reports widely cited an arm infection from a new tattoo, though the player has consistently denied this claim.
The incident traces back to the night before the 2016 FA Cup Final, when Varela and several Manchester United teammates got tattoos ahead of their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley. Viewing it as a lucky charm, he repeated the ritual before Frankfurt's cup final, but with disastrous consequences.
Frankfurt's leadership was furious over the alleged infection, leading to his suspension and the cancellation of any plans to extend his loan. The club's sporting director stated at the time, The club cannot tolerate that a player would defy instructions. He hurt the team. There was redness around where he had the tattoo, and blisters formed meaning he was unable to train. We'd been thinking about a loan extension. But that won't happen. He'll be suspended with immediate effect.
Varela's Side of the Story
Years later, Varela attempted to clarify the situation. He explained, I got a tattoo at the top of my back on my neck. It was during my injury, while I was not playing, about three months before the final in May. [Manager] Niko Kovac said to me, 'I don't want you to get any more tattoos.' I said, 'Why? I'm injured'. He said, 'Yes, I know but you have to respect the players and the staff.' I said, 'Okay, I understand but I am injured.' Then when I started to play again I got this one done on my arm. He said to me, 'No, no, no. You stop here because we have the final in one week and I told you before you have to finish with your tattoos so now you are out.' I didn't get infected, that's not true. It was just because I got it.
Rebuilding His Career After United
Following his departure from Manchester United in 2017, Varela embarked on a journey to rebuild his career across Europe and beyond. He played for clubs such as Copenhagen and Dynamo Moscow before securing a move to Brazilian side Flamengo in 2023.
After leaving England, Varela found consistency and earned international recognition, amassing 26 caps for the Uruguay national team. Currently under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, he may feature against Thomas Tuchel's England at Wembley this Friday, marking a surprising return to the spotlight.
This potential appearance underscores a remarkable turnaround for a player whose early promise was overshadowed by controversy, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football careers.
