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The first loan move for a Manchester United youth player for the 2022/23 season has been agreed, and it is a supremely talented player who will be heading out.
Álvaro Fernández has agreed a deal with Preston North End, as reported by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, following Rich Fay's initial report. He will spend this upcoming season on loan at the Championship side.
The report states that the 19 year old left back toured Deepdale last week and was watching Preston’s friendly at home to Leicester on Saturday, which they narrowly lost 2-1.
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The agreement of this deal is good news as Manchester United look to loan out some of their youth players for next season, so that they can test themselves in the men’s game.
Fernández was United’s Under-23 Player of the Year last season, although was not present on the team’s pre-season tour of Australia.
The club hope that this loan will be a valuable experience for the left back, who they hope will come back ready to contribute in the squad next season.
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It is the best decision to loan him now as he has clearly outgrown youth football, but Tyrell Malacia’s arrival to compete with Luke Shaw means United can’t guarantee him minutes.
But United have a successful past with right-footed left backs, and hope that Fernández can continue on this rich legacy in the future.
Preston’s Championship campaign begins in four days against Wigan Athletic, so it will be straight into action for the exciting young left back.
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The Lilywhites will be hoping that the 19 year old can help drive their promotion hopes as they look to return to England’s top division for the first time since the 1960/61 season.
As of now, they are the only side in English football that won the old ‘First division’ but have yet to ever play in the Premier League.
Fernández had offers from the Bundesliga, but opted to remain in the North West of England, indicating that the player is settled where he is and sees his long-term future at Old Trafford.
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He will be looking to come back from the loan in a year’s time to challenge for a first team place, as players like James Garner are right now.
Alex Telles has been used in a variety of roles but not his nominal left back role across pre-season as United are listening to offers for him, whilst United are also open to selling Brandon Williams, who is of interest to Brighton in a £15 million deal.
This can only be good news for the Spaniard, as when he returns from his loan United’s left back scene will feel less congested and his chances of minutes will go up.
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His loan move will certainly be one for United fans to keep an eye on, as he looks to develop and make a name for himself next season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Preston North End, EFL Championship, Premier League, Football