Alvaro Fernandez breaks silence on Manchester United transfer links

Benfica left-back Alvaro Fernandez has insisted he’s only focused on Benfica despite recent links with a return to either Manchester United or Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old did not get the opportunities he would have wanted at United under Erik ten Hag, but that didn’t stop the manager from revealing that the club will continue to monitor the left-back’s development due to the buyback clause included in his deal.

This season the Spanish full-back, who is enjoying his football in Portugal, has kicked on after securing a permanent deal at Benfica. He initially joined the Portuguese giants on loan last January before impressing the coaches enough that they saw a future for him at the club.

Fernandez, however, does not seem bothered by the speculation that has spread in his name. It can only be a positive thing for a young footballer to be linked with the biggest clubs in the world. That tells us he is showing clear signs of progression, even in the Champions League this season.

When asked about the transfer links and a potential return to Old Trafford, where he was previously overlooked, Fernandez stressed that his only focus right now is Benfica.

Fernandez told Record: “I only think about Benfica. I’m only focused here. I’ll try to keep up the same level, try to help the team as much as possible.”

Should United bring Alvaro Fernandez back?

I think it’s way too soon to say this. Anyone saying yes this early is jumping the gun on the back of hype.

Fernandez needs to prove himself over the course of the season and maybe beyond that if he wants to make the next step in his career.

Benfica are tough negotiators and it’s worth noting that United also get a share of the sell-on fee. That’s why I wouldn’t see it as a bad thing if Real Madrid were serious about having him back. They signed Fernandez for £9m with favourable bonus’ from a United perspective.

It’s also easy to say in hindsight that Fernandez should have got more chances at United. Ten Hag wasn’t to know that Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia would be out for such a long time. We wouldn’t be having this conversation had Shaw been fit which is why we need to identify a new primary left-back for the future.

United have been linked with Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez as a potential left-back option. The former Real Madrid full-back has continued to impress this season and is expected to make a big move in the next year.