
Manchester United could make a surprising move to re-sign former academy product Álvaro Fernández, despite Erik ten Hag allowing him to leave at the end of last season.
With Ruben Amorim preparing to bolster his squad in the January transfer window, speculation surrounds Marcus Rashford’s potential departure from United, with PSG and Saudi Pro League clubs reportedly interested. This has led United to compile a five-man shortlist of potential replacements for the 27-year-old forward.
In addition to addressing Rashford’s possible exit, United are actively seeking reinforcements at left-back following Luke Shaw’s recent injury setback. Reports suggest a “verbal agreement” is in place for Paraguayan left-back Diego León, who is expected to join the club in the summer of 2025. However, United may also pursue a familiar face for immediate relief.
The Return of Álvaro Fernández?
According to reports, United are considering bringing back Fernández, a former academy standout who failed to make a first-team appearance during his time at the club. The Spaniard, now 21, joined United from Real Madrid in 2020 and was named the club’s Under-23 Player of the Year in May 2022.
Fernández was loaned to Preston and later Granada during Ten Hag’s tenure but struggled for game time in La Liga. He eventually found form after moving to Benfica, initially on loan, before securing a permanent transfer for around £5 million in 2023. Now a regular in Benfica’s lineup, Fernández has impressed with his performances, prompting United to reportedly send scouts to observe him during Benfica’s Champions League clash against Bologna.
The Express reports that Fernández has a release clause of £42 million, but United retain a buy-back option, allowing them to re-sign him for as little as £16.5 million.
Erik ten Hag’s Perspective on Fernández
Despite selling Fernández, Ten Hag has previously hinted that the club was keeping tabs on his development. Speaking in October, he remarked:
“I think the process is perfect. We loaned him to Preston; he got back, then we loaned him to Granada. He didn’t play much there, and of course, we observed him all the time. Now we had the opportunity to sell him, but we have a buy-back [clause], so we have control of the situation.”
Ten Hag praised Fernández’s progression through different leagues, adding:
“From Preston to La Liga, then to Portugal with Benfica—every step was an improvement. Now we have to assess if he can be an option for us. But playing for Manchester United in the Premier League is not so easy.”
Fernández’s development at Benfica has reignited interest from United, and a return to Old Trafford would offer the Spaniard an opportunity to fulfill the potential the club once saw in him.
As January approaches, Fernández’s name will remain prominent in discussions about United’s plans to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.
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