Manchester United youngster Alvaro Fernandez could be included in Ralf Rangnick’s matchday squad to face Middlesbrough.
The 18-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for the Reds, but with Alex Telles on international duty with Brazil, the young Spaniard could be on the bench against the Championship side.
The Spanish under-19 international was pictured training at Carrington today alongside the rest of the first team squad ahead of Friday night’s clash against Chris Wilder’s side.
After missing the last two games prior to the international break with a hamstring injury, Luke Shaw wasn’t pictured training, but interim boss Ralf Rangnick will likely provide an update on the England international’s fitness at Thursday’s press conference.
With Telles and Fred highly unlikely to feature with Brazil kicking off in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and question marks surrounding Shaw’s fitness, the prospects of Fernandez at least having a place on the bench look to be increasing.
Although Diogo Dalot can play at left-back a lot will depend on whether Aaron Wan-Bissaka has recovered from the illness that saw him miss the last three Premier League games.
If the former Crystal Palace man is fit to return then Rangnick may opt to deploy Dalot at left-back with United’s number 29 returning to the side in his natural right-back role.
With uncertainty surrounding our left-back availability it makes sense that the Reds resisted the temptation to loan Fernandez out in the January transfer window amid Championship interest.
The attack-minded left-back will be ready to grasp his first team debut if it is forthcoming.
From 22 appearances for Neil Wood’s youth sides across the EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League and Premier League 2 this season, Fernandez has three goals and four assists to his name.
With his lung-busting and galloping runs becoming a trademark of his game, the youngster has become a regular fixture in first team training sessions this season.
There is no denying the former Real Madrid youngster is knocking on the first team door and Alvaro Fernandez will be hoping that a chance to feature against Boro provides him with that breakthrough opportunity.
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