Alvaro Fernandez is set to clinch a move to Preston North End, with The Athletic reporting he has rejected moves to Bundesliga clubs.
Fernandez is joining Preston on a season long loan, after being pictured at Deepdale last weekend.
The former Real Madrid academy talent was United’s under-23 player of the year last season.
He was unlucky not to go on pre-season tour, with United leaving him behind to focus on finding a loan side. The signing of Tyrell Malacia has bumped him down the pecking order.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Fernandez follows Beckham
Fernandez follows David Beckham in moving to Preston North End on loan in a bid to take his career to the next level.
Beckham had a brief spell on loan at Preston in 1995 before going on to establish himself in the Red Devils first team and winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Preston are an ideal side for Fernandez as he can accustom himself to competitive English football, and their formation suits his playing style.
Manager Ryan Lowe plays with wing-backs and this could work for Fernandez. The Spanish teenager’s strengths lie in his attacking play, and he should have plenty of opportunity to get forward and make an impact.
Fernandez contributed nine assists and four goals at youth level last season and his eye-catching style could make him a real hit during his loan spell.
One hurdle Fernandez will have to overcome, is a battle for places with former Manchester United talent Robbie Brady, who left the club in 2013.
The 30-year-old also signed for Preston this summer from Bournemouth. The Republic of Ireland international will share the load with Fernandez, amid a packed and condensed 46-game Championship season which takes a break for the World Cup.
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