Former Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford in January.
The left-back position continues to be a problem at Manchester United with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still yet to make an appearance this season.
It has forced Erik ten Hag to think on his feet and Diogo Dalot has become undroppable after impressing as a makeshift left-back.
But a long-term solution is still needed at left-back and attention has turned to Alvaro Fernandez, who left the Red Devils for £5m in the summer to join Portuguese side Benfica permanently.
Fernandez has been in great form at Benfica and it has fueled rumours of him returning to United in the January transfer window.
Erik ten Hag speaks out on Alvaro Fernandez return
United included a £16.7m buy-back clause for Fernandez when they agreed to sell him to Benfica in the summer.
The buy-back clause exists until 2026, when United will then have to pay Fernandez’s £42m release clause currently available to every other club.
There has also been interest in Fernandez from Real Madrid and Barcelona which could urge United to bring the 21-year-old back before they pounce.
Erik ten Hag spoke about Fernandez’s buy-back clause and insisted the situation was “perfect”.
“I think the process is perfect,” said Ten Hag.
“But we have a buy-back so we have control of the situation, I think that’s what he needed. From Preston, then go to La Liga, go to Portugal [with Benfica], every time stepping up to a higher club and a better league.
“Now we have to see and assess the situation if he can be an option for us.”
Alvaro Fernandez was ‘exposed’ in Champions League
Fernandez has been drawing attention to himself with several impressive performances at Benfica this season, but he was far from his best in their latest Champions League clash.
Benfica lost 3-1 to Dutch side Feyenoord on Wednesday evening with Fernandez starting and playing the full 90 minutes at left-back.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo only gave him a 5/10 rating for his performance. Fernandez only won four of his 11 ground duels, lost possession 15 times and was dribbled past four times.
They added:”He was more exposed at a defensive level and was noticed, losing many of the duels at speed.
“A bit hasty in his passing, he didn’t have the impact of other games.”
One poor performance is not enough to make United have second thoughts about bringing Fernandez back in January, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
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