Alvaro Fernandez enjoyed a great season with Preston North End last term and now starts Manchester United’s first pre-season game.
United are over in Norway at the moment and take on Leeds United in a friendly in Oslo this afternoon.
Erik ten Hag has given a debut to new signing Mason Mount but also given a start to Fernandez.
The recent PNE loanee has been handed a starting role at left back, joining senior trio Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in defence.
This is a great opportunity for Fernandez to show what he can do and display how he has improved thanks to his North End loan spell.
Fernandez has been given the nod with United’s two main left backs not making the trip to Norway.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been given extended breaks after going on international duty this summer.
Fernandez can now try and prove himself to Ten Hag with a start against Lyon next week a real possibility too.
United then head off to the United States with Fernandez no doubt hoping to have done enough to make the trip.
PNE return for Alvaro Fernandez looks unlikely
North End fans would absolutely love to see Fernandez come back to Deepdale for another year.
The 20-year-old became a fan favourite during his season-long loan spell at PNE, racking up 39 Championship appearances.
PNE do still need another left wing back this summer and some have wondered whether another stint for Fernandez can be scured.
Peter Ridsdale has admitted that he spoke to United about potentially bringing Fernandez back but that seems unlikely now.
Clubs around Europa will be very interested in landing Fernandez and even some Championship clubs with bigger budgets could pounce.
Fernandez has been given the number 42 in the United squad and there may yet be a chance that he sticks around at Old Trafford.
PNE fans loved watching Fernandez and may simply have to wish him the best for the rest of his career – starting with today’s game against Leeds.