Manchester United may be considering an unexpected reunion with Álvaro Fernández, a former academy player who was allowed to leave the club under Erik ten Hag at the end of last season. With the January transfer window fast approaching, speculation is growing about potential squad reinforcements, and Fernández’s name has resurfaced as a serious option.
Ruben Amorim, one of the names linked with interest in Fernández, is reportedly aiming to strengthen his squad in the coming months. This comes amid growing concerns over the future of Marcus Rashford, who has attracted significant attention from Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in the Saudi Pro League. As a result, Manchester United is said to be preparing a shortlist of five potential replacements for the forward while also addressing issues in other areas of the pitch.
In addition to their striker concerns, United is seeking reinforcements at left-back following a recent injury setback to Luke Shaw. While Paraguayan left-back Diego León is reportedly set to join the club in the summer of 2025 through a verbal agreement, United may pursue a more immediate solution to bolster their options in this position.
Álvaro Fernández, now 21, has emerged as a viable candidate to fill this gap. The Spanish defender, who left United without making a senior appearance, has been making waves at Benfica since his departure. Fernández originally joined Manchester United from Real Madrid’s youth setup in 2020 and was named the club’s Under-23 Player of the Year in 2022. Despite this accolade, his career stalled during loan spells at Preston North End and Granada, where he struggled to secure consistent game time. Eventually, Ten Hag sanctioned his transfer to Benfica in 2023 for a modest fee of around £5 million.
Since moving to Portugal, Fernández has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in form. Initially joining Benfica on loan, his performances were strong enough to earn him a permanent deal with the club. He has since become a key player for the Portuguese side, impressing in both domestic and European competitions. His form has not gone unnoticed by Manchester United, who have reportedly sent scouts to monitor his progress. Most recently, Fernández was observed during Benfica’s Champions League match against Bologna, where he delivered another standout performance.
A potential return to Old Trafford could be facilitated by the terms of Fernández’s current contract. While his deal includes a £42 million release clause, United has a buy-back option that would allow them to re-sign him for a significantly reduced fee of £16.5 million. This clause, combined with Fernández’s growth at Benfica, has reignited the club’s interest in bringing him back to Manchester.
Erik ten Hag has previously acknowledged Fernández’s development, praising the player’s improvement across different leagues and his steady progression as a professional. Speaking in October, Ten Hag highlighted the benefits of Fernández’s experience at clubs like Preston, Granada, and Benfica, noting that each move represented a step forward in his career.
However, the manager also emphasized the challenges of transitioning to a club like Manchester United, particularly in the competitive environment of the Premier League.
As January approaches, Álvaro Fernández remains a focal point of Manchester United’s discussions about potential squad reinforcements. A return to Old Trafford could offer Fernández the chance to fulfill the potential that United initially saw in him while addressing a pressing need within the team’s defensive lineup.
