Alvaro Fernandez was handed a start in Manchester United’s pre-season game against Leeds United on Wednesday. The Spaniard played the first 45 minutes of the game in Oslo, Norway, as part of a strong United line up which included recent signing Mason Mount.
First-team left-backs Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia aren’t back in training just yet after being given extended leave following their international exploits. It leaves Fernandez as the main option in that position for Erik ten Haag’s side, and has given him a great chance to impress.
Whilst Preston North End fans know all too well how good of a player Fernandez is, he hasn’t had many opportunities at his Premier League side. The 20-year-old shone in his 42 games for The Lilywhites last season in a left-wing-back role.
He lined up alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in a strong defence for the match against Leeds. The whole team made way at half-time with the score still 0-0 before a youthful United team took to the pitch and came out as 2-0 winners. Despite only playing 45 minutes, Alvaro Fernandez did enough to impress plenty of Manchester United fans who took to Twitter to give their reaction.
Some United fans think he is ready to be in and around the first team squad for this upcoming season, whilst others think he could benefit from another loan spell, potentially fitting in with Burnley’s style of play.
One fan even thinks they could sell him for £30 million.
Preston are still in need of another defensive player capable of playing on the left side. Currently we are left with Robbie Brady, but a younger, pacier option would be ideal.
Either way it doesn’t look like Fernandez will be returning for another spell with Preston. Despite the club’s wishes, Alvaro seems destined for far greater things.