Manchester United will have been wowed by the performance of one January transfer target on Wednesday night.
The transfer window is now well underway yet at Old Trafford there have been no arrivals beyond the loan returns of Elyh Harrison from Chester and also Joe Hugill from Wigan.
Manchester United however have a number of positions which need strengthening in January, with Ruben Amorim prioritising a left wing-back.
Nuno Mendes is a top option for United, while the club are also said to be considering a swoop for Patrick Dorgu.
However, it is known that United are going to have to sell in order to buy this month – which makes the latest news on Casemiro all the more exciting.
Now, one major and sensible target has proven exactly why Ruben Amorim wants to sign him in January.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Alvaro Fernandez scores for Benfica
On Wednesday night, Benfica were in action against Braga for the Allianz Cup semi-final and one night after United target Viktor Gyokeres stole the headlines in the first semi-final tie between Sporting and Porto – it was another who lit the game alight on Wednesday.
As Benfica ran out as convincing 3-0 winners, United target Alvaro Fernandez was in elite form.
Playing as a left-back, Fernandez scored the second goal in the thrashing, and it was excellently taken.
Picking up the ball outside the box, Fernandez feinted his way past one defender before scoring with a low-driven shot into the far bottom corner.
The goal was elite and reminded us what we are ultimately missing in the left wing-back position with Dalot there.
It also showed why Fernandez is wanted by Amorim – with his bargain £16m asking price due to the release clause United put in place when selling him last summer.
Fernandez’s rise continues as Manchester United chase
United’s desire to sign a left wing-back comes with Luke Shaw consistently injured and then Tyrell Malacia simply not good enough.
So adding a player who is wanted by Europe’s elite is a good way to solve the position
According to OJogo, United will face stiff competition for Fernandez with Bayern Munich prepared to pay much more than Ineos would have to for the player.
Fernandez was heralded as “immaculate” back in 2022, and since then he has gotten even better, reaching the heights that he showed promise of reaching when he was signed originally.
With the financial struggles United have, this move makes too much sense – even if it means selling him on for profit in six months, it needs to be done.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
