Guillermo Varela plays like he has been at Manchester United for 10 years, according to team-mate Juan Mata.

The right back, who joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2013 but struggled to make impact, has impressed for the club in recent weeks.

Having spent time on loan with Real Madrid's reserve side last season, the Uruguayan has taken his chance amid an injury crisis at Old Trafford and Mata has been impressed.

Guillermo Varela plays like he has been at Manchster United for a decade, according to team-mate Juan Mata

Mata has praised the young defender who has impressed in his eight appearances for the club this season

'I'm very pleased and I'm very happy for him because he is doing very good on the right side,' Mata told MUTV.

'He's going forward, he's defending very well, he's being aggressive and he's performing like he has been playing for 10 years before.

'That is very difficult when you are young and in a stadium such as Old Trafford. He's a very competitive guy, he's very good for the team and the dressing room so we are very happy for him.'

Defender Marcos Rojo also heaped praise on the 22-year-old and has become friends with his fellow South American.

Varela spent last season on loan at Real Madrid's reserve side and has taken his chance at Old Trafford

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo also praised the Uruguayan and is good friends with Varela

'I am very happy for him as he has been playing well,' Rojo added.

'It's not too long since we met and we've become mates. He's also my chauffeur. He takes me to all the matches as we live close by, so he's been doing all the driving which is fine by me.

'In the last few months we have spent a lot of time together and we have become really good mates. He's a really good guy, a great person and a big player for United.'