Manchester United have the upper hand over Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to sign Benfica defender Alvaro Fernandez, according to A Bola (page 17).
The Red Devils have had a disappointing first half to the Premier League season. Their performances have not improved despite the appointment of manager Ruben Amorim.
The players are still adapting to the new formation (3-4-2-1) under the Portuguese. The hierarchy could back him with a small budget to strengthen the squad this winter.
A new left wing-back is the top priority for Amorim and A Bola claim that United have a clear advantage over Barcelona and Madrid in the pursuit of Benfica’s Fernandez.
Barcelona are set to meet Benfica in the Champions League next month. They are expected to closely analyse Alvarez’s performance before weighing up an approach.
Madrid are also keen on signing their former academy graduate. It is reported that they will be monitoring how he performs against the Blaugrana at the Estadio da Luz.
The La Liga giants can sign the left-back for his £42 million release clause, but United have the upper hand due to the £17m buy-back clause present in his current deal.
United should re-sign Fernandez this winter
Fernandez was one of the best young defenders in the United academy, but he failed to make a single competitive appearance under former manager Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils loaned him out to Benfica last winter with an option to buy for £5m. Benfica were more than happy to trigger the clause due to his immense potential.
Fernandez was in-and-out of the starting XI under manager Roger Schmidt, but his fortunes have completely changed with Bruno Lage replacing the German.
The 21-year-old is presently one of the best left-backs in the Primeira Liga. He has registered two goals and two assists from 21 appearances in the ongoing campaign.
Aside from his goal involvements, he has won 62 percent of his duels with 4.7 recoveries, 2.3 tackles and 1.8 clearances per game. The Spaniard has averaged 25 passes in the opposition half on average.
It is clear that Fernandez is an attacking full-back. He would perfectly suit the Red Devils, having already played as a left wing-back during his loan stint at Preston North End.
Ten Hag never considered Fernandez as a first-team option, but things could be different under Amorim, who has reportedly monitored him from his time as Sporting CP manager.
He could become a mainstay in the left wing-back role ahead of Tyrell Malacia. Luke Shaw could be shown the exit door, having failed to get over his regular injury concerns.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com