Marc Jurado makes Espanyol debut two months after Manchester United exit

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Former Manchester United youngster Marc Jurado has made his Espanyol debut two months after signing for the club.

Manchester United made the decision to cut ties with former Barcelona youngster Marc Jurado on transfer deadline day.

But instead of an expected loan deal, the promising right-back was sold to Espanyol on a permanent basis. It was a controversial decision considering United’s lack of full-backs and Jurado’s promise, which included a goal against Wrexham in pre-season.

So far back in Spain though, it has been slow going for the youngster.

Marc Jurado makes Espanyol debut

Since leaving Manchester United, Marc Jurado has had to settle for playing in Espanyol’s B team. He played eight times for them so far. Still only 19, time is on his side.

Last night he made the step up, named as starter for Espanyol’s first team against Mensajero in the early rounds of the Copa del Rey.

The game went as well as Jurado could have hoped. He completed all 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory. It was the type of display which will get him more chances.

This was Jurado’s first ever competitive first team match, a major step in his career. After a total 86 appearances for Manchester United’s academy, including winning the FA Youth Cup, it was a moment for him to savour.

Jurado wrote on Instagram: “Very happy for the debut with @rcdespanyol in Copa del Rey and the team victory. We keep working on it.”

Jurado’s ex-teammate Fernandez impressing in La Liga

Jurado’s former Manchester United academy colleague Alvaro Fernandez is a step ahead of Jurado, now having made six La Liga appearances for Granada.

His latest performance against Villarreal was praised in Spain, and it shows he is making good progress.

He is still under contract to Manchester United, out on loan, and could yet have a future at Old Trafford. Jurado is an Espanyol player now, and will hope his cup performance can lead to further opportunities as he bids to further his career back in his homeland.