Manchester United’s weakness at left-back this season has been compounded by a decision to send Alvaro Fernandez out on loan.
Having Luke Shaw out for large stretches of the season and Tyrell Malacia out for it’s entirety has been tough on Manchester United.
But not all of the misfortune has been bad luck with injuries. Manchester United made the decision to send left-back Alvaro Fernandez out on loan.
Fernandez began the season with Granada, before switching to Benfica in January.
It has been tough going on the Spaniard, who has been unable to establish himself as a regular for the Portuguese side.
Alvaro Fernandez plays 90 minutes
At the weekend Alvaro Fernandez played all 90 minutes for the first time in Benfica’s 3-0 victory over Moirerense.
This was Fernandez’s first start in the Portuguese league. He had previously made five substitute appearances.
He has two starts and three substitute appearances in cup competitions.
While Fernandez was booked in the win, he came through well, keeping a clean sheet while completing 90 per cent of his passes. He made three tackles and three clearances.
Writing on Instagram after the game he posted: “The wait is long but the success is there…”
Alvaro Fernandez manager verdict
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt admitted Alvaro Fernandez was in need of game time, and said he was satisfied with the Manchester United loanee’s performance.
He told Mais Futebol: “It was really good for him to play, he hasn’t played much in the last few weeks because Aursnes has been doing really well in that position, but he’s a very talented player.
“Today we wanted him to play the full 90 minutes and we were very satisfied.”
Alvaro Fernandez clause
Benficahave an option to sign Alvaro Fernandez permanently. There was an obligation written in, if he played more than half the games, which won’t be met.
Schmidt said nothing is set in stone, but Benfica are keeping the door open regarding a potential deal in the summer.
He explained: “The situation is clear, he is on loan and we have the option of keeping him at Benfica, but everything is open.
“We have the option to keep him, let’s see what’s best for him and also for us. Now we are focused on finishing the season, only then will we decide.”
Erik ten Hag’s decision to ditch Fernandez made pretty clear he felt the Spaniard was not up to scratch, to thefrustration of United supporters, who had seen impressive performances from him in the academy.
The 21-year-old remains a promising prospect whose future potential may appeal as an investment to Benfica.
He now needs to use the weekend’s game as a platform to kick on between now and the end of the season.