Alvaro Fernandez has been heavily linked with a return to Manchester United just months after his exit.
Left-back has been a problem position for Manchester United with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still yet to make an appearance this season due to injury problems.
Despite the recurring issues at left-back, United sold Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica this summer for just £5m.
Fernandez has been superb at Benfica this season which has only rubbed salt in United’s wounds and the club are now beginning to have second thoughts about his sale.
Benfica included a £42m release clause in Alvaro Fernandez‘s contract, but United have a buy-back clause of just £16.7m which can be triggered up until 2026.
It has been suggested that Fernandez would suit Ruben Amorim’s system, making him an ideal first transfer for the new head coach at Old Trafford.
Alvaro Fernandez display for Benfica vs Bayern Munich
Fernandez was back in action for Benfica on Wednesday when they faced German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Bayern ended up 1-0 winners thanks to Jamal Musiala’s second-half goal but should have scored more had it not been for Benfica’s well-organised defence.
Fernandez started at left wing-back for Benfica – a role that Amorim will be keen to fill when he implements his 3-4-3 system at United.
Fernandez played the full 90 minutes and took 69 touches – more than any other Benfica player.
He handled Bayern’s press well and so Benfica used him as an out-ball to try and work their way up the pitch. Fernandez ended the match with a 70 percent passing accuracy.
His defensive stats were impressive with six successful ground duels and three aerial duels won. He was only dribbled past once and did not commit a single foul.
Man United fans react to Alvaro Fernandez performance
United fans were furious that Fernandez was sold after watching his performances this season, and they have now made it very clear they want him back at Old Trafford.
Supporters watching the 21-year-old on Wednesday night urged United’s leaders to trigger the buy-back clause.
Via, X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan wrote: “Bring this lad back asap and bin Shaw”.
A second supporter posted: “A very decent left back. They should be looking to buy him back in the summer if Malacia doesn’t click & we can’t depend on Shaw anymore. Time up.”
Another added: “You just knew the moment United sold him it was a mistake from every board member”.
The pleas to sign Fernandez continued: “Get him back. I don’t [know] how we let him go even tho we don’t have a lb”.
“Why on earth did we sell his lad when we’re still struggling at LB. Not to mention he’s absolutely quality too,” posted one fan.
Finally, one supporter posted: “Always knew we’d made a mistake selling him”.
United fans have made it very clear that they would like to see Fernandez back in Manchester as soon as possible.
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