Sir Jim Ratcliffe, ever since completing his part-takeover of Manchester United, has wasted no time explaining just how determined he is to put a proper structure in place behind the scenes, and finally get the underperforming Premier League giants performing – both and off the pitch – like a club befitting their size.
And if Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada and Jean-Claude Blanc represent ‘best in class’ additions to a Red Devils boardroom previously lacking such experience at an elite level, then the seemingly-incoming technical director Dan Ashworth will represent a continuation of Ineos’ trend.
That is, pursuing the very best in their position, and building up a collection of proven, top-class operators at Old Trafford.
Ashworth is likely to take on an overarching role, his influence felt across all departments. And considering how many players have struggled since leaving Manchester United on a temporary basis in recent times, the difficulties faced by Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, Hannibal Mejbri and co suggest that big improvements can be made in this particular area.
Manchester United loanees are really struggling
It is not uncommon for club to employ a dedicated loan manager, employed to ensure that youngsters or out-of-favour senior players join the right clubs to make best use of their potential, or raise their price-tags ahead of an eventual sale. The sight of Van de Beek toiling at Frankfurt, Hannibal twiddling his thumbs on the Sevilla bench, and Maxi Oyedele returning from Forest Green ahead of schedule arguably does not reflect all too well on Les Parry, who graduated from a role as a physiotherapist for the club’s under-18s to become United’s loan manager in 2019 (Transfermarkt).
Assuming temporary deals for Hannibal and Van de Beek do not result in permanent departures – Sevilla and Frankfurt have option-to-buy clauses but have little reason to trigger them as things stand/
It is very uncertain, however, whether Benfica opt to keep Alvaro Fernandez at the Estadio da Luz.
Fernandez yet to prove United wrong
There was no shortage of hand-wringing when Fernandez was sent out on loan to Benfica in January. And, to be fair, for good reason. Sergio Reguilon’s return to Tottenham, coupled with injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, mean United have spent much of the year operating without a recognised left-back.
Furthermore, Benfica’s superb track record when it comes to spotting diamonds in the rough had many United fans wondering if Fernandez – so impressive during a previous spell at Preston North End – could come back to bite them.
The fact that Fernandez has played only 78 of a potential 810 minutes in the Portuguese top-flight, however, is proof that not even Benfica get it right every time. He has only two starts. Coach Roger Schmidt has even preferred midfielder Fredrik Aursnes at left-back ahead of Fernandez of late. The Spain Under-21 ace played only six minutes during the two-legged Europa League victory over Rangers too.
Only two starts at Benfica for Alvaro Fernandez
Barring a sudden change in circumstances, Correio de Manha reports that Benfica are unlikely to trigger the £5 million option-to-buy clause in Fernandez’s contract.
And while Fernandez’s struggles – listless in Lisbon – at least provide justification for Erik ten Hag, who felt that the youngster was not ready to make the step up to United’s first-team, it could also cost the Red Devils a useful cash influx at a time in which every single penny is required ahead of this summer’s expected overhaul.
Ratcliffe spoke openly – and possibly a little ruefully – about his admiration for Man City this week, United’s neighbours the masters of sending players out on loan before selling for inflated fees. This is certainly one lesson United would benefit learning from as the prospect of Van de Beek, Hannibal and Fernandez – plus Sancho – returning to Old Trafford becomes increasingly likely.