Manchester United are set to make a switch at left-back and pundit Robbie Savage is not at all impressed.
Former Manchester United trainee Robbie Savage has warned Manchester United against making two proposed transfer deadline day deals.
The Mail report Manchester United are poised to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
And as part of that move, United will allow Alvaro Fernandez to leave on loan. Marca report La Liga side Granada lead the race.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Robbie Savage named preferred United left-back
Manchester United are in need of left-back cover after Luke Shaw suffered an injury to compound Tyrell Malacia also being out. Both are expected to miss two to three months.
Sergio Reguilon is set to sign on loan to provide cover, Fabrizio Romano reports, however, Robbie Savage would rather see Fernandez stay instead.
Savage told Teamtalk: “I look at Alvaro Fernandez. Went on loan to Preston last year and did ever so well. United have got a fantastic academy and it’s proven over the years. Why not give Alvaro Fernandez an opportunity?
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“He’s with the first-team squad in training, he might not be ready, but you’ve got to give him an opportunity because it will be a short-term fix. Why go and get an experienced player who might not hit the ground running at such a massive football club.
“The left-backs you’re going to get, unless you invest heavily in one who’s going to take the place of Luke Shaw, for me there’s no point. Allow Fernandez to have an opportunity in the first-team, that’s what Man Utd’s academy is all about.”
Fernandez featured in pre-season for Manchester United and made the bench against Nottingham Forest last weekend. However, it appears Erik ten Hag does not trust Fernandez to step up, yet, and would rather sign an experienced player and send the untested youngster out on loan.
Savage has reason for his view
Robbie Savage knows a lot about Alvaro Fernandez. He has watched him in action on a regular basis playing in the same under-21 side as his son Charlie.
United sold Charlie Savage to Reading earlier this summer, and while not every youngster can make it, Fernandez did have a direct path to the first team if Erik ten Hag was willing to provide it.
Fernandez’s development is the long-term play. This chance may never come again for him, and it is a shame he is not likely to get the opportunity to step up.