Preston North End battled their way to a first three points of the season on Saturday. They beat Sunderland 2-1, but the scoreline didn’t tell the full story.
The Mackems showed a lot of quality on the wings, but North End defended resolutely much to the delight of the home fans. Goals from Will Keane and Mads Frokjaer ensured The Lilywhites started with three points at Deepdale.
There was just under 20,000 in attendance on Saturday, helped by a large away following in the Bill Shankly Stand. One of those who took a seat in Deepdale was Alvaro Fernandez. The Manchester United player who enjoyed a spell at Preston last season, took the opportunity to pop down and cheer on his former teammates.
Fernandez has featured regularly for United in pre-season, and it is likely he would be looking at another loan move this season, but in a higher league than the Championship. The Spaniard claimed Preston as well as other teams in the league had tried to bring him in on a loan deal again, but he has his sights set higher.
Captain Alan Browne posted a picture of Alvaro in the Preston dressing room after the game. Nice to see a former loan player still take a keen interest in his former teammates. Fernandez was a fan favourite, and he loved his time at the club obviously. Refreshing to see a young player care so much, and value his loan spell with us.
Playing in Alvaro’s place on Saturday was 17-year-old Kian Best who had a tough game with Patrick Roberts playing very well down the right hand side for Sunderland. There are high hopes for Best though, and with Robbie Brady injured at the moment, the Preston lad could get a few more chances over the next few weeks.
Lowe has said he would like another player on that left-hand side, and it’s likely to be a loan deal. If they can get close to the quality of Fernandez then we will have done very well.