Manchester United have placed Alvaro Fernandez’s loan move to Granada ‘on standby’ as the Premier League giants search for a replacement left-back while ruling out a permanent exit.
Much to the disappointment of those who hoped to see the Carrington graduate handed a run of games in the first-team following the injury-enforced absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, it seems that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is leaning towards the addition of further experience rather than rely on the exuberance of youth.
Alvaro Fernandez, AS report, is still in line for a loan move to La Liga with newly-promoted Granada the favourites to secure his services. Granada would reportedly be ‘delighted’ to sign the one-time Real Madrid youngster, with Fernandez’s camp confident at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes would be a good place to continue his development after a superb spell at Preston North End.
Manchester United will wait on Alvaro Fernandez call
Interestingly, AS adds that United may have considered selling Fernandez for around £6 million earlier in the summer. Fellow youngsters Matej Kovar, Noam Emeran and Zidan Iqbal have already departed in recent months.
United’s stance has since changed, however, likely the result of Fernandez’s eye-catching performances in pre-season. Should the Spain U19 international leave Old Trafford on loan before the window closes this week, the Red Devils will now opt against inserting a purchase clause in his contract.
A new left-back needed
As things stand, however, Fernandez finds himself in limbo. United are determined to avoid leaving themselves even shorter in the left-back department. As such, Fernandez’s exit will only be given the green-light after a Marc Cucurella, a Marcos Alonso, a Nicolas Tagliafico or another arrives in his place.
“It can be (that we bring in a new left-back),” Ten Hag hold the Manchester Evening News before that dramatic comeback win over Nottingham Forest.
“I think we always have to anticipate on situations. If there are opportunities (to sign someone) then yes. But it has to be the right player otherwise we have to deal with the current squad.”