Real Madrid sold Raphael Varane to Manchester United this summer in a transfer deal which has excited the whole club.
But another ex- Real Madrid talent stepped into the Manchester United limelight on Friday night.
Youngster Alvaro Fernandez joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2020, quitting the Spanish club for a new opportunity in England.
Real wanted to keep him and Fernandez has quickly shown why.
After scoring on his debut for the under-18s last season he was promoted to the under-23s, where he provided five assists from left-back.
This season he has started as he has meant to carry on, providing an assist in the opener against Leicester, and then scored a terrific equaliser against Chelsea last night.
United were 1-0 down before Fernandez’s late goal, and it showed his confidence, attacking quality, and personality.
Fernandez received a ball on the outside of the box after a pass from D’Mani Mellor. He took a look around, to see if a pass was on, and then when it wasn’t, he took responsibility to do it all himself.
It is one thing to see it, and another to do it. Fernandez feinted, then drove into a space in the Chelsea defence and powered the ball across the goalkeeper into the net.
It was a goal so good that Mason Greenwood applauded on social media.
Greenwood’s praise was echoed by Manchester United supporters.
Fernandez’s goal was a moment worth applauding, and backed up a strong performance.
While he can still tweak aspects of his game defensively, and the step up to under-23 football is helping him to do this, he is really strong going forward.
Even before his goal he was United’s best player on the night and his strike topped it off. At just 18, he is a star in waiting.
In a game played at Stamford Bridge in front of a crowd this was a memorable occasion for all young players involved. Fernandez will remember it particularly fondly.
Reaction
Here is a look at the reaction to Alvaro Fernandez’s goal and performance…
Watch Fernandez’s goal here
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