Ruben Amorim seems to be honing in on specific transfer targets as he prepares to take over as Manchester United’s manager in November. Among the key players reportedly on his radar is Benfica’s promising young left-back, Alvaro Fernandez.
This interest comes as United faces a pressing need for reinforcements in the left-back position due to injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw. These setbacks have thinned the squad’s defensive depth, making Fernandez an appealing option for Amorim’s future plans.
At just 21, Fernandez has already had a diverse football career. He initially joined Manchester United’s youth system in 2020, aiming to break through to the senior squad. Instead of an immediate promotion to the first team, Fernandez went on multiple loan spells to build his experience.
He showcased his abilities at Preston North End in the Championship, further honed his skills in Spain with Granada, and gained valuable playing time at Benfica. His strong performances in Portugal’s Primeira Liga convinced Benfica to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer, reportedly paying £5 million for his transfer.
According to reports from GiveMeSport, Manchester United might be looking to bring Fernandez back, as they included a buyback clause in his contract with Benfica. This clause allows United to re-sign him for approximately £16.7 million. Such a move would provide United with an affordable and adaptable option at left-back, fitting well with the club’s transfer strategy under the new INEOS ownership.
Amorim’s interest in Fernandez is well-founded, given his current position as manager of Sporting CP, one of Benfica’s biggest rivals in Portugal. This role has given Amorim a firsthand look at Fernandez’s talents. Fernandez’s combination of youthful energy, speed, and offensive prowess on the left flank could integrate seamlessly into Amorim’s tactical approach and strengthen United’s defense in the long term.
Amorim’s move to Old Trafford is still a few weeks away as he completes his commitments at Sporting. One of his final matches in charge will see him face Manchester City, a fitting prelude to the competitive challenges he will face in the Premier League. Once in Manchester, Amorim’s first matches include clashes with Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt, and Everton, providing him with early opportunities to establish his influence.
The potential return of Fernandez has already stirred excitement among fans and analysts. His familiarity with Manchester United’s environment, coupled with the skills he has developed during his time in Portugal, positions him as a strong candidate to fill the club’s left-back gap. Fernandez’s return could provide the squad with both immediate and long-term benefits, fitting well into Amorim’s strategic vision for the team.
