Manchester United only seem to be offloading players this January, with three already confirmed to have departed.
These three players consist of Sergio Reguilon, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek. Reguilon has returned to Tottenham after a loan spell – whilst the other two first-team squad members have sought out game time away from Old Trafford in the Bundesliga.
However, Erik ten Hag isn’t done yet. It was expected that a few academy stars would also seek game time away from Carrington, possibly in loan deals.
Well – one could turn into a permanent deal, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirming a wonderkid is departing this January.
Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica is happening
Romano confirmed via X that United left-back Alvaro Fernandez is to join Benfica on loan until the end of the season, but there is an option to buy for the Portuguese side. He writes:
‘Álvaro Fernández to Benfica, here we go! Agreement in place with Man United after personal terms. Understand Fernández joins Benfica on loan until the end of the season with a buy option clause included. Documents are being exchanged now and medical booked.’
Fernandez is to be recalled from Granada, where he’s been on loan this season currently and then sent straight back out to the Liga Portuguesa.
The 20-year-old academy star looked like a promising prospect – which is why Manchester United fans are left feeling a little angry about his departure.
Manchester United fans furious about Alvaro Fernandez
United have lost many youngsters over the years who have gone on to do great things.
The likes of Angel Gomes and Paul Pogba, but more recently Teden Mengi and Anthony Elanga are all proving they can go elsewhere and do the business.
Could Fernandez follow this pattern? United fans seem to think so, and are furious that he hasn’t been given a chance.
A first says: ‘Disagree with this move by Utd, especially since the lad didn’t get a fair chance. It’s disgusting. Not the Utd way.’
A second adds: ‘Genuinely can’t believe that he has been sold without being given a chance was the best player on the pitch in Dublin during the season.’
‘Imagine convincing a youth player to sign from Real Madrid and then you give them 0 mins. Shameless club,’ another says.
A final adds: ‘I really hope we don’t sell him in the summer, he deserves a chance in the first team. Ridiculous to sell him if we did!’
It looks like Fernandez will never get a first-team debut competitively at Manchester United. Benfica have a keen eye for sniffing out young talent – this could end badly for the Red Devils.
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