Manchester United plugged a big hole in their squad in the January window with the signing of Patrick Dorgu and supplemented it with Ayden Heaven’s exciting addition.
However, the major rebuilding job will begin in the summer, with Fabrizio Romano already predicting a blockbuster summer window for Man Utd.
Just like January, they will again have to prioritise because of their precarious financial situation which means some positions will be strengthened before others.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
In the meantime, one target of theirs has just sent them a reminder of his qualities with a sparkling Champions League display.
Alvaro Fernandez shines again
When Man Utd signed Patrick Dorgu in January, the common assumption was that they had signed the long-term answer to that left wing-back spot.
However, Ruben Amorim gave Dorgu his debut on the right, and added after the game that he’s played plenty on the right and will continue to do so when needed.
Paul Scholes was left confused with Amorim but there’s a method to the madness if one looks at Amorim’s Sporting teams.
They played with an inverted wing-back on the right and an overlapping one on the left. Enter Alvaro Fernandez.
Fernandez shone again for SC Benfica in their Champions League playoff against AS Monaco as the Portuguese team emerged 1-0 victors.
He provided all the attacking thrust down the left while continuing to hone his defensive game. With 86 touches of the ball, he was ever-present in the buildup and had four shots at goal.
With eight passes into the final third, he was a constant thorn in Monaco’s defense and didn’t let their attackers rest up either.
He finished the game with a remarkable eight defensive actions and nine recoveries, balancing his attacking and defensive game brilliantly, an essential requirement for a wing-back.
Patrick Dorgu-Alvaro Fernandez is Man Utd’s dream pairing
As it is turning out, Dorgu might not have been Fernandez’s replacement signing, but an addition to his signature in the summer.
With Dorgu’s attacking gifts due to his history of playing as a winger, and Fernandez being a menace at the traditional overlapping game, it is as close to an ideal pairing as it gets for Man Utd.
Fernandez’ buy-back clause means it’s not even a deal that’s too difficult to make provided they can convince the player to make the move.
It was a no-brainer move in the January window but Amorim went for a different skill set instead. His case is not getting any weaker with each talismanic display for Benfica.
He has to be United’s top target in the summer.
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