Alvaro Fernandez insists that he has no plans to return to Manchester United the January transfer window even if the Premier League giants have a re-call clause in the Granada loanee’s contract.
The decision to send the talented left-back on loan at the start of September has certainly been the subject of much debate among some sections of the Manchester United fanbase. And not just because Alvaro Fernandez performed so impressively during pre-season.
Fernandez joined Granada on the final day of the window two months ago, his departure green-lit despite the absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia due to injury. Sergio Reguilon would quickly joined them on the sidelines.
And, in their absence, United have lacked a natural left-sided full-back, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and Softan Amrabat all filling in with varying degrees of success. Would Fernandez have fared any better? That’s certainly a lot of pressure to put on the shoulders of a young player unproven in the Premier League.
But Fernandez was outstanding during a 42-game loan spell at Preston North End last term – winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award – and, like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, seems to possess the character as well as the quality to make the step up to the next level.
Does Alvaro Fernandez have a future at Manchester United?
Fernandez has been in and out of the starting at Granada. But there was a reason why he was called up to train with the senior Spain squad in November, the youngster rewarded after eye-catching performances against the likes of Barcelona.
“In football, you cannot make very long-term plans,” Fernandez tells Cadena Cope. “At Christmas, United have the option of bringing me back but now it’s my turn to help (Granada). I am committed to staying.”
As things stand, Fernandez’s Manchester United deal is due to expire in the summer of 2024. The Red Devils are likely to try and agree fresh terms, though time will tell if a new contract would be anything more than an attempt to protect his market value.
Out of contract in 2024
“Next year, I have to return to Manchester no matter what because I have one year left on my contract there,” the former Real Madrid starlet adds, via La Colina del Nervion.
“I had several offers to go out on loan. I liked this project and decided to come (to Spain). Since I arrived in Granada, I really liked it. People have treated me very well from the beginning and I am adapting well.
“I see a team together. My team-mates give everything to each other to continue improving. With the work, the rewards and the wins will come.”
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