He was the first signing of the David Moyes era and – like the Scot – many Manchester United fans may have forgotten about him after he left for Spain.

But Guillermo Varela could be about to make the breakthrough at Old Trafford following a stint honing his skills abroad at none other than Real Madrid.

United and the Spanish giants are currently at loggerheads over the futures of David de Gea and Sergio Ramos.

Guillermo Varela poses with a Manchester United shirt at Carrington Training Ground on June 7, 2013

David Moyes made Varela his first signing as United's boss, handing him a five-year contract

Right back Varela played for Real Madrid Castilla on loan from Manchester United last season

But the La Liga outfit may well have done their English rivals a big favour elsewhere.

Varela was always going to be one for the future when he caught United's eye while playing in the Under 20 World Cup qualifiers for his native Uruguay.

Some compared him to Gabriel Heinze, formerly a mobile and robust Argentine left back at United.

At the age of just 20, he signed a £2.5m deal and a five-year contract before he had even become a first-team regular at his club, Penarol.

After winning rave reviews in Warren Joyce's Under 21 side an unlikely move to Real Madrid Castilla, the Spaniards' B Team, was arranged.

The Montevideo-born defender impressed for Uruguay in the Under 20 World Cup qualifiers in 2013

And Varela has excelled in the Spanish capital, returning to Manchester with 33 games under his belt.

He will report back to a club currently in need of a right back.

Much to the dismay of many of the United faithful, the end seems nigh for Rafael.

The Brazilian, a cult figure, has failed to convince Louis van Gaal and appears to be on his way out.

For long periods last season Antonio Valencia filled in and while he has done so admirably, a genuine right back is preferable.

France's Alexy Bosetti (left) and Varela compete for the ball during the U20 World Cup Final match in 2013

Varela may now be that option, especially if you value the opinion of one of the game's legends.

Zinedine Zidane, Real's former France World Cup Winner, voiced his approval in December.

'I asked to see him and loved him,' he said. 'Luckily we could add him to Real Madrid, where I see a huge future.'