Manchester United’s loan players enjoyed a mixed weekend with Alvaro Fernandez continuing to shine bright.
The 19-year-old defender has become a regular starter for Preston North End and played a part in their away victory over second placed Norwich.
Fernandez set up Preston’s second goal in the 3-2 win, his fourth assist of the season and second in the past week.
Preston boss Ryan Lowe praised the ‘quality players’ he has to pick out the runs of his forwards, speaking to the club website after the game.
Fernandez worked tirelessly defensively too, making more successful tackles (3) than any other player, and 10 ball recoveries.
Injury for Ethan Laird
United right-back Ethan Laird had been in form for QPR, providing an assist in midweek. However, his match at the weekend lasted only 26 minutes.
He was substituted off in QPR’s win over Reading with a suspected hamstring injury. Laird suggested after the game that the problem won’t keep him out for too long, pledging he will be back ‘sooner rather than later’.
Hannibal makes first start
Hannibal Mejbri made his first start on loan at Birmingham City as the team beat Bristol City 3-0.
The Tunisia international featured in an attacking midfield role and was fouled more than any player on the pitch, four times total.
He played 77 minutes, picking up a yellow card, as former United prospect Tahith Chong provided two assists.
Amad back to the bench
After making his first Sunderland start in midweek, Amad was back on the bench for his side and played only the last 13 minutes.
During this brief cameo he had three attempts on goal, with one on target, but could not prevent Sunderland losing 2-1 at Swansea.
Ethan Galbraith scores winner
Down in League Two, Manchester United midfielder Ethan Galbraith scored the winner on loan at Salford City.
Galbraith scored late in the first half to give Salford a 1-0 victory over Northampton Town. This was the first goal of his loan spell.
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