What was said about Alvaro Fernandez during Preston loan proves he is perfect fit for Erik ten Hag’s Man United system

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Manchester United will be deeply regretting their decision to allow Alvaro Fernandez to leave this summer.

The 21-year-old completed a permanent move to Benfica in the summer after he was starved of opportunities at Manchester United.

Benfica paid just £5 million for Fernandez this summer after an initial six-month loan spell with the Portuguese side.

Fernandez now has a £42million release clause in his contract, but United inserted a buy-back clause for €20m (£16.7m).

United’s left-back struggles have only worsened since Alvaro Fernandez left this summer. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are injured and are yet to feature at all this season.

However, the Red Devils face competition from Liverpool for Fernandez’s signature, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested.

Man United could trigger Alvaro Fernandez buy-back clause

With United in the market for a left-back amid Shaw’s and Malacia’s injury problems, Fernandez has emerged as an ideal option.

Fernandez has been in great form with Benfica this season and is showing United exactly what they are missing.

United fans were angered after Fernandez’s stunning display for Benfica against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Thankfully, the buy-back clause in his contract means United can pounce quickly for the young defender in January – although it would reflect poorly on the decision to let him leave in the first place.

Preston comments prove Alvaro Fernandez is perfect for Erik ten Hag

It is baffling to think that Fernandez was never given a chance in United’s first team before being shipped away to Benfica.

He was sent on several loan spells to gather experience, including a season-long move to Championship side Preston North End for the 2022/23 campaign.

At Deepdale, Fernandez played under manager Ryan Lowe, who was a big admirer of the full-back.

Back in February 2023, Lowe piled praise onto Fernandez after he impressed in a central midfield role against Luton Town.

“When we moved him inside, he was getting the ball on the left, coming inside and causing them real problems,” Lowe said, as quoted by ThePeoplesPerson.

“I thought he caused them problems in the first half – with the ball he put in, just wide of Troy. It was a great jump to take the ball and that’s what he has got. He’s been excellent when he’s played and his attitude and application has to stay the same, to keep performing at that level.”

Erik ten Hag has been utilising a similar role for Diogo Dalot this season, with the Portuguese international drifting in from left-back into midfield.

It is a role that Fernandez thrives in, and one he would suit perfectly if he was brought back to Old Trafford.