Man Utd set to hold talks over 'excellent' youngster with manager keen to keep the Spaniard

Manchester United are set to hold talks over the future of Preston North End loanee Alvaro Fernandez at the end of the season.

Fernandez joined the Lilywhites at the start of the campaign on a season-long loan, and has impressed at Deepdale.

Playing primarily at left wing-back, the Spain youth international has racked up 30 Championship appearances thus far.

He has particularly impressed going forward, with a tendency to run with the ball and cut inside into central areas in order to create chances.

Having been named as United's U23 Player of the Year last season, this loan was designed to be Fernandez's first experience of senior football.

United will now reportedly sit down with PNE to discuss the next steps for the 19-year-old.

Fernandez to hold Man Utd talks

Speaking in a press conference after last Saturday's 2-0 win over Cardiff, North End manager Ryan Lowe said he is keen to keep Fernandez at Deepdale for a second season, although recognises it will ultimately be the call of United and the player himself.

He told LancsLive: "We will sit down and have a review with Man United and all of the loan players [clubs].

"We will see what they think, what we think and then, if there's an opportunity to do something with the loan players who are with us and doing well, then why wouldn't you?

"But it's not always the case. We've just got to make sure we've got our irons in the fire for different things - whether it is wing-backs, strikers, midfielders.

"But yeah, Alvaro has performed well along with the rest of the team."

He continued: "He's definitely coming on and getting better. Each game and training session, he is learning.

"He's self-taught with English, and that's what we need - he needs to listen to make sure he is performing. He's keeping a top international out of the team, at the moment, in [Republic of Ireland's] Robbie Brady.

"He has got to keep those standards high. His performances have been excellent, and long may that continue."

North End have done plenty of business with United over recent years when it comes to loanees.

Towards the end of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Old Trafford, Danny Welbeck, Josh King, Matty James and Ritchie De Laet all spent time on loan at Deepdale, whilst Ben Pearson joined on a permanent deal back in 2016 and became a key player for North End.

United supporters will hope that the Fernandez loan agreement can benefit them, with the 19-year-old looking set for a bright future.