I will leave Benfica to join Man United on one condition – Alvaro Fernandez speaks out on Man Utd return to solve Ruben Amorim problem

I will leave Benfica to join Man United on one condition – Alvaro Fernandez speaks out on Man Utd return to solve Ruben Amorim problem

According to Alvaro Fernandez, he is “very happy” at Benfica and is not considering a January return to Manchester United.

For a nominal fee of £5 million, the Spain Under-21 player departed United in January to go on loan to Benfica, a transfer that was made permanent at the conclusion of the 2023–24 campaign.

Fernandez has been a standout player in Portugal this season, starting every match since the middle of August and scoring two goals in his last two games before the international break.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have expressed interest in him as a result of his performances, although United still has the opportunity to exercise their repurchase in January.

Left-back has been a problem area for United with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still to play this season. New manager Ruben Amorim favours 3-4-3 formation utilising wing-backs, a system he could begin implementing at Old Trafford this week with Fernandez a possible solution.

The 21-year-old is aware of United’s option to bring him back to Manchester but for now, is keeping his mind firmly on Benfica.

‘I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more,’ Fernandez told Marca. ‘To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it.

‘I’m focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days. It’s always nice to have teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here. United have a signed purchase option, but I’m very happy here.

‘I have a five-year contract with Benfica. I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow.’

Fernandez joined United as a 16-year-old from Real Madrid, arriving at the club the same month Alejandro Garnacho made his switch from Atletico’s youth ranks.

He progressed the youth ranks and impressed in the Championship on loan with Preston in the 2022-23 season.

Despite those promising displays, he failed to make his senior debut for the club