Manchester United did not expect the club’s nightmare situation at left-back to be still dragging on through October 2024.
A long-term injury to Tyrell Malacia couple with ongoing injury problems for Luke Shaw shows no immediate signs of abating.
United hope they will be fit to return soon – just as the club have been hoping they will be fit all year.
In the meantime, Diogo Dalot has been filling in at left-back, and a problem for Noussair Mazraoui has exacerbated the issues.
United could have been better off at the position had a decision been made to give Alvaro Fernandez a chance last season.
Erik ten Hag loaned Fernandez out to Spanish relegation battlers Granada, before another loan was arranged at Benfica.
Benfica bought Fernandez permanently and he is now starring in the Champions League, most recently in a 4-0 win over Atletico.
Robbie Savage plea over Fernandez
Former Manchester United prospect Robbie Savage’s son Charlie Savage played in the same academy team at the Red Devils as Alvaro Fernandez.
And the pundit got a first hand look at how talented the young Spanish left-back is, and the raw potential.
Ahead of Manchester United striking a deal to loan in Sergio Reguilon and loan out Alvaro Fernandez, Savage made a plea for the Red Devils to cancel the deals, and simply give the youngster a chance.
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?
“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.”
Savage also questioned the pointless move to bring in more experienced player on loan, which turned out to be Reguilon.
“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.”
Savage was spot on
Savage was correct that a more experienced player may take some time to settle, with Sergio Reguilon struggling to make an impact and also suffering injuries of his own.
Reguilon started only four Premier League matches before his loan came to an end.
While Manchester United finished in eighth place.
Absolutely nothing was gained from this move, simply a net loss, forcing Fernandez out on a permanent basis.
Fernandez has now established himself as a regular started in Benfica’s side, and has a release clause in his deal at more than £40 million.
There have been suggestions United could even seek to buy Fernandez back, with Portuguese outlet O Jogo claiming Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested.
Erik ten Hag has done well with giving opportunities to United’s youngsters – but his glaring error over Fernandez is a costly one which United are still paying for.
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