Manchester United have had a frustrating first half to the season and they recently suffered their sixth defeat of the Premier League campaign.
The Red Devils were defensively vulnerable against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford and eventually paid the price with a disappointing 3-2 defeat.
Diogo Dalot was one of the worst performers from the left wing-back position and it is crystal clear that United need an upgrade in the department.
Manager Ruben Amorim has already urged the hierarchy to make a ‘proper‘ signing for the role. The club have been linked with Alvaro Fernandez Carreras.
Fernandez left the club for Benfica on a permanent basis last summer after a short-term loan, but United have the option to re-sign him for £16.5 million.
The Spaniard has made immense progress during his short time at Benfica. A Bola have now heaped praise on him after the recent win against Vitoria SC.
The outlet wrote: “The new Carreras, the boy who never stops growing Spanish left-back has become fundamental in both attacking and defending and is the greatest work of individual transformation by Benfica’s manager.”
United have big advantage in Fernandez pursuit
The United graduate had a mixed loan stint with Benfica, but the Primeira Liga giants still took the opportunity to sign him permanently for £5m.
The decision has proved worthwhile since Bruno Lage replaced Roger Schmidt as Benfica’s manager.
The 21-year-old has been an undisputed starter at left-back and has caught the eye with his attacking and defensive contributions under Lage’s tutelage.
He has registered two goals and two assists from 20 appearances. He has also won 5.1 duels per game with 4.7 recoveries, 2.3 tackles and 1.8 clearances.
Fernandez has a release clause worth £42m in his contract, but United have a big advantage over other suitors with a low buy-back clause of just £16.5m.
It seems a no-brainer decision to re-sign him for the price in January. He previously played as a left wing-back during his time on loan at Preston North End.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com