Man Utd defender claims he turned down Real Madrid contract offer to move to Old Trafford

Manchester United defender Alvaro Fernandez has claimed he turned down a contract offer from Real Madrid to move to Old Trafford in 2020.

The Spanish youth international, who is currently on loan at Championship side Preston North End, was named United's U23 Player of the Year last season, and was named in the senior matchday squad on several occasions.

Erik ten Hag sanctioned a temporary move away from Old Trafford for the 19-year-old this season, and he has made 23 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites so far.

An attacking left-back by trade, Fernandez has primarily featured as a left wing-back in Ryan Lowe's system, and is known to cut inside to create goalscoring opportunities. He has two assists to his name in the Championship this season.

Highly rated at Old Trafford, this is the youngster's first season of senior football - and he has revealed that he rejected a new offer from Real, his previous club, to move to England.

Fernandez reveals Real Madrid offer

Speaking to PNE's official website, Fernandez explained: "Real Madrid offered me another deal, but I said no, because I wanted to go to Manchester United.

"I chose them because they're a big club, and they showed me exactly how they were going to plan my football career. They told me I would go to the U23s, even though I was 17.

"I came here and played with the U23s, which was good for me and the experience was great. More or less, I did well, and then I trained with the first team, which was crazy.

"I was on the training pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford - just crazy."

The defender will now hope to end his Championship loan spell on a positive note, and return to Old Trafford next season to challenge for a place in Ten Hag's first team.