First Man Utd transfer of the summer 'confirmed' as multi-million-pound deal announced before end of season

Manchester United’s first transfer of the summer has been confirmed before the window officially opens.

The transfer window officially opens on June 14 with this summer’s European Championship being a potential stumbling block for clubs looking to get deals over the line early.

United ended the campaign in 8th place - their lowest ever finish in a Premier League season and Erik ten Hag’s future at the club remains uncertain.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to have made no decision over the Dutchman’s fate amid links to Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino but United have concluded their first piece of transfer business regardless of who is in charge.

It has been confirmed that Benfica have triggered the buy clause in the contract of left-back Alvaro Fernandez who moved to the club on loan in January after being recalled from La Liga side Granada.

The 21-year-old who signed from Real Madrid in 2020 on a free transfer will sign a five-year deal in Portugal after making 11 league appearances.

United will net a fee in the region of €6m for the promising youngster while retaining a buy back clause, matching rights and a sell-on clause.

Left-back is expected to be an area United look to strengthen in the summer after Luke Shaw’s fitness issues over the past season with Tyrell Malacia still unavailable for selection.

Fernandez’s performances in the academy led to suggestions United have unearthed a hidden gem and there has been mixed reaction to him moving on permanently.

Here is how United fans reacted on social media to the move.

One fan said: “Erik ten Hag is bad for Manchester United. Alvaro Fernandez should have been drafted in last season rather than buying Malacia. Good luck, Alvaro.”

Another fan added: “It’s crazy how bad we are at business. City would have extracted £25m for him.”

A third said: “Good move for us, with all the clauses added, that’s pure profit.”

Finally, a fourth said: “United making a sensible sale is strange to see.”

United have already announced the departures of both Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial which will ease concerns on their wage bill ahead of arrivals this summer.