Ruben Amorim seems to be wasting no time in setting his sights on potential signings for Manchester United, as reports suggest he has his eye on Benfica’s promising young left-back, Alvaro Fernandez. Amorim, who will officially take the reins at Old Trafford in November, appears particularly interested in Fernandez due to his potential to strengthen a position that has posed challenges for United this season. Injury setbacks for both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have left United’s left-back options thin, making Fernandez’s profile even more appealing for Amorim’s future plans.
At just 21, Fernandez has already had an intriguing journey in professional football. Initially, he joined Manchester United’s academy in 2020, aiming to make his mark in the Premier League. However, instead of breaking into the senior squad, Fernandez spent most of his time on loan, gaining valuable experience across different leagues. He played for Preston North End, showcasing his abilities in the English Championship, then moved to Granada to adjust to Spanish football, and finally joined Benfica, where he gained significant experience in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. Benfica, impressed by his progress, activated a £5 million purchase clause to secure him permanently during the summer transfer window.
Now, according to reports from GiveMeSport, Manchester United could be considering a move to bring Fernandez back into the fold. United has reportedly retained a buyback clause on Fernandez’s contract with Benfica, allowing them to re-sign him for approximately £16.7 million. This move could provide United with a versatile and cost-effective option for the left-back position, which aligns well with the club’s strategic vision under its new INEOS ownership.
Amorim’s admiration for Fernandez isn’t without basis, either. As the current manager of Sporting CP, Benfica’s fierce rivals in the Portuguese league, he has had ample opportunity to witness Fernandez’s talents first-hand. Fernandez’s combination of youth, agility, and attacking prowess on the left flank would suit Amorim’s tactical style and could help rejuvenate United’s defense in the long run.
However, fans will have to wait a bit longer before seeing Amorim take charge at Old Trafford, as he is still fulfilling a notice period with Sporting. One of his final matches with the Portuguese club will be a high-stakes game against Manchester City, a preview of the kind of competitive encounters he will face regularly once he steps into his new role with United. Once at the helm, Amorim’s early fixtures with Manchester United include intriguing clashes with Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt, and Everton, where he may look to make an immediate impact.
In the meantime, the prospect of bringing Alvaro Fernandez back to United has already stirred up excitement among fans and pundits. With his familiarity with the club’s ethos and his recent development in Portugal, Fernandez could be exactly what United needs to reinforce their left flank.