As Manchester United remain struggling at left-back, Alvaro Fernandez is looking the part at the highest level.
For Manchester United, the left-back position is a real problem with Luke Shaw struggling through injury this season – following his naive decision to head to Euro 2024. Meanwhile, the other senior left-back, Tyrell Malacia, has gone over a year without playing a game for United.
This means Diogo Dalot has been filling in there well so far this season – but he ultimately is not a natural and is of course right footed.
Harry Amass is viewed as a superb talent by United, yet against Barnsley in the perfect debut opportunity he watched Toby Collyer fill his spot.
With all of these reasons combined, it looks foolish that Alvaro Fernandez was let go for such a minuscule fee.
How Alvaro Fernandez fared on Champions League debut
After making his £5m switch to Benfica, the former United academy ace has been very impressive – almost showing his sale to be a mistake by the club.
On Thursday, Fernandez made his Champions League debut for the Portuguese side and was among the best on the pitch in a 2-1 win over Red Star Belgrade.
Fernandez started the game – and had 59 touches of the ball which he was pretty deadly with when he had it.
The 21-year-old created three chances while completing 27 passes as he dominated the left side of the pitch. He completed three accurate crosses from five attempts and three of four long passes.
Off the ball he was as good as he was on it, winning 100 per cent of his two tackles, making two clearances, two interceptions, eight defensive actions and five recoveries.
This display is one which would be more than welcome at Old Trafford and for the sake of £5m, United may have shot themselves in the foot.
£5m Manchester United mistake on full show
While for Fernandez an exit was the best decision for his career as he is now showing, it was a very frustrating call by the Red Devils to sell a player so talented for so cheap.
Fernandez cost the Portuguese giants just £5m but they instantly placed a £42m release clause on him – clearly valuing the potential he has.
It was a move which fans were not thrilled by, and now it is becoming clear why as Fernandez has also been immense in Liga Portugal – despite Benfica sitting fifth at the moment.
With Amass not ready, Shaw and Malacia injured and Dalot not natural, if Fernandez was kept – chances are he would be the clear starter right now for Erik ten Hag.
Definitely a lesson for United to learn from – not to sell before giving a proper chance.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
