Manchester United youngster Alvaro Fernandez was informed that he did not feature in Erik ten Hag’s plans before leaving the Premier League giants for a loan spell in La Liga with Granada.
Another exciting young talent impressing during pre-season, only to be let go after failing to force his way into Manchester United’s first-team reckoning.
And, with his contract at Old Trafford expiring in the summer of 2024, one wonders if this will be a repeat of the Zidane Iqbal situation.
Whether or not Alvaro Fernandez earns himself a new deal with the Red Devils may largely depend on his performances over in Spain. But, even then, he would return to the North West with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia for competition.
Uncertain Manchester United future for Alvaro Fernandez
“In the end, (my move to Granada) was done at the last minute,” Fernandez tells The Athletic, explaining how his deadline day departure came about.
“What message did United give me? That I should go out on loan, that Ten Hag didn’t count on me, that I should continue to gain experience, rhythm, and we’ll see what happens in the future.
“But it’s clear that football doesn’t end at any club and that you have to keep working. My main objective is to return to United and make a place for myself there.”
Spaniard yet to earn Erik ten Hag’s trust
Fernandez has featured fairly regularly in Spain’s top flight this term. The former Real Madrid loanee, who earned Preston North End’s Young Player of the Year award during another season-long deal, was recently afforded the opportunity to train with the senior Spanish squad after catching the eye of national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
Should the 20-year-old earn himself fresh terms and a place in the United set-up ahead of 2023/24, that would all-but certainly bring an end to Sergio Reguilon’s hopes of earning himself a permanent transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.
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