Man Utd: Alvaro Fernandez previously confirmed his return policy as ‘special clause’ emerges | Football | Sport

Alvaro Fernandez has previously made it clear his ambition was to establish himself at Manchester United amid growing speculation over a possible return. The Benfica left-back left Old Trafford permanently this summer after loan spells at Preston North End, Granada and the Portuguese giants.

United sanctioned his £5million departure in the hope that Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia could overcome the injury woes that derailed their 2023/2024 season.

However, neither player was available in the first eleven games this season, further increasing calls for Ten Hag to tackle the position.

Harry Amass is one of the most exciting full-backs in the country, even if not at the top of the list, but at 17 years of age United see his development best served at youth level for now.

It has prompted Ten Hag to call on Diogo Dalot at left-back, with £17m summer signing Noussair Mazraoui immediately inheriting regular residency on the right.

But with Mazraoui on the sidelines for a few weeks, United’s left-back options are virtually empty ahead of a crucial run of games for their manager.

According to Record, United are considering triggering the buyback clause they included in Fernandez’s Benfica contract in January, worth around £17 million.

However, it has emerged that the club only has until 2026 to make the move, should they decide to finally pull the trigger on Fernandez.

The 21-year-old has shone in Lisbon, appearing in all nine of Benfica’s games this season and starting the last seven.

He was named Player of the Match in the 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid, further boosting his stock and fueling Manchester’s comeback.

Fernandez could well be open to the idea, based on his comments in December prior to cutting short his loan term at Granada to join Benfica.

The Spain U21 international represented United 62 times at youth level but did not make his competitive senior debut.

He seemed keen to correct that, claiming he was ambitious to return to Old Trafford and cement himself as a regular starter.

“What message has United given me? That I need to go out on loan, that Ten Hag didn’t count on me, that I need to keep gaining experience and rhythm and we’ll see what happens in the future,” Fernandez said. The Athletics.

“But it is clear that football does not stop at any club and you have to keep working.

“My main goal is to return to United and carve out a place for myself there.”

Plans could already be in motion to accommodate Fernandez’s comeback, especially if Shaw and Malacia’s absences continue to wreak havoc.