Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez continued his spell on loan at the weekend with a personal milestone against Real Madrid.
Alvaro Fernandez was a second half substitute in Granada’s 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid. It was his 10th La Liga appearance of the season, although it has been an inconsistent run.
Fernandez has only started four of those matches, but this is a step forward, playing top-flight football, after his loan in the Championship with Preston North End in 2022/23.
Getting the chance to play at the Santiago Bernabeu was also a huge moment for him.
Fernandez returns to the Bernabeu
Alvaro Fernandez made the career-altering decision to quit Real Madrid’s academy in 2020 to join Manchester United.
The jury is still out on whether this was the right choice, with the left-back yet to make his competitive debut for the Red Devils.
Now back in Spain on loan at Granada, Fernandez returned to Real Madrid as an opponent this weekend, although only had five minutes from the bench, with his side already 2-0 down.
Fernandez referenced the personal significance of the moment, writing on Instagram: “Believe in your dreams!”
Fernandez waits for Manchester United chance
Alvaro Fernandez has played at Old Trafford for Manchester United’s under-21 side. He has also represented the Red Devils first team in friendly games.
However, Erik ten Hag decided Fernandez was not ready to contribute to the first team this season, despite injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Fernandez has to wonder whether he will ever get a better chance, but has to concentrate for now on making the most of his loan spell in La Liga.
That’s not easy for a relegation-threatened Granada side, who rank in 19th place with just one league win all season, and four defeats from their last five games. But this moment playing at the Bernabeu will inspire Fernandez on, a taste of opportunities which may still lie ahead.
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