Alvaro Fernandez has not only cemented his place in the Benfica line-up, but the former Manchester United left-back is now attracting interest from the biggest clubs around Europe.
The Portuguese wingback was not getting opportunities at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, which led to the club’s decision to sell the youngster with a buyback and sell-on clause attached to the deal.
After watching his rise to prominence over the past year, Ruben Amorim will be aware of Alvaro Fernandez from his time in Portugal. Manchester United have been linked with many options for that position since the change of management, including Milos Kerkez.
Unlike Kerkez, Fernandez stands out because he has already experienced life at the Theatre of Dreams, although it wasn’t dreamy enough for him to stay. Fernandez followed his dream of playing regularly first-team football and he’s shone in the Champions League for Benfica this season.
Manchester United face competition for Alvaro Fernandez
Interest is growing in Fernandez at a time when United desperately need wingbacks – on both flanks, but especially the left side.
While the deal was done in a clever fashion to ensure United had a buy-back clause, it’s regrettable to think he would be a starter in the current line-up.
However, United face competition for Fernandez’s signature.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Bayern Munich are closely monitoring Fernandez as a potential option should Alphonso Davies leave the club in the summer.
Davies has been linked with a move to Old Trafford when his contract expires, but he could still sign fresh terms with the Bundesliga giants.
With the left-back area causing problems for United, it remains to be seen if there will be any activity in the January transfer window, which opened earlier this week.
Luke Shaw remains absent due to injury and Tyrell Malacia has only returned from a long spell out. It’s become a major weak spot in the team and Amorim’s system relies heavily on quality wingbacks.
Manchester United ready to jump at Alphonso Davies opportunity
This is the first sign yet that Bayern are accepting that Davies could leave this year.
Bayern will continue to try convince the Canada international to stay, but there has been reported interest from Real Madrid as well as United.
Real Madrid and United are trying to sign Davies, who is one of the best left-backs in the world, in a deal that would sting Bayern.
It would be a major coup to beat Real Madrid to another top defender, like United did with Leny Yoro, but it’s unlikely that the Reds will be able to offer Champions League football to Davies.
The fact Fernandez is seen as a potential alternative to Davies says a lot about the Portuguese starlet’s progression over the past year.
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