Manchester United left-back Alvaro Fernandez is one of several youngsters expected to go out on loan for the 2022/23 season, having attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe – according to reports.
Fernandez, 19, joined the Reds from Real Madrid’s academy in the summer of 2020 and only needed nine U18 appearances before solidifying himself as a key piece in United’s Premier League 2 side.
Standing at 6’1”, he provides a uniquely physical and technically savvy option at full-back. Extremely comfortable on the ball – befitting the Spanish football philosophy – Fernandez possesses deceiving bursts of pace and a lethal delivery in the final third.
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The youngster has made 46 appearances for United’s U23s over two seasons at the club so far and looks set to head out on loan with his performances attracting interest in and out of the club.
Fernandez won the U23 Player of the Year award last term and is certainly ready to take the next step. Nick Cox, the club’s head of academy, said the following after Fernandez became the first Spaniard to receive the honour.
“Alvaro has been a standout performer from a really strong group of players within our U23 team,” he told the club website. “He has consistently risen to the various challenges that have been put in front of him and should be very proud of how he has adapted to English football.
“The opportunities that he has earned to travel with the first-team and experience that environment are extremely well-deserved through his hard work and dedication.”
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Fernandez made the senior team bench for the last four Premier League fixtures last season but is yet to make a debut for the club. However, his three goals and four assists in the PL2 have clubs from England, Spain, and Switzerland interested in his services next season – as per Jonathan Shrager’s report.
Statistics aside, Fernandez’s size and ability to play intricate football could make him an intriguing option for teams at the highest level, despite his lack of experience.
Shrager’s latest report on Thursday night confirmed serious interest in the defender from clubs in the Championship – the second tier of English football. Along with the interest, there have also been promises of guaranteed game time – something that is vital at this stage of development.
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However, Shrager’s tweet also acknowledged Fernandez’s desire to test himself a step above.
He said: “Fernandez’s preference is a loan move to a Premier League side, with a couple of clubs currently showing interest.”
That speaks volumes of Fernandez’s ambition and confidence. At this stage of his career, battling it out for a place in a Premier League side would not be easy; but certainly not impossible.
Tino Livramento, formerly of Chelsea, is a year older than Fernandez and was in an identical situation to the Spaniard’s at around this time last year.
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The now Southampton man made 20 PL 2 appearances for the Blues and was on the senior bench twice in 2020/21 before sealing a £5 million permanent move to the Saints 12 months ago.
Livramento went on to make 32 appearances in all competitions for Ralf Hasenhuttl’s side, cementing himself as their first choice right-back while being one of the more impressive youngsters last season.
Fernandez’s circumstances are eerily similar. He is too good for the youth level but perhaps just not quite yet all the way there for the heights that United want and need him to be at in order to challenge for a spot.
The recent arrival of fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia has made Fernandez’s immediate path into the first team a bit more complex too. Three people ahead of him in the pecking order suddenly turned into four and now, a year or two on loan looks like the best-case scenario.
With that said, the fact that United are only looking to loan the 19-year-old could be the deciding factor between a Premier League side gambling on Fernandez or opting against it. Most top flight teams would rather not invest their time into developing a potential rival player. For that reason, a move down to the Championship may end up being the most appealing.
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However, Livramento’s story does show that it is possible to breakthrough without having sufficient experience in theory – a team just has to be brave enough to bet on a promising talent.
Fernandez’s style of play would suit several teams flirting with the Premier League’s mid table. One that comes to mind right away is Graham Potter’s Brighton, especially with reports linking Alvaro’s compatriot, Marc Cucurella, with a move away from the Seagulls.
Fernandez can play football and he can defend. His height allows him to defend aerials well and his positional awareness is sharp. Certain intangibles still have to be coached into him, such as discipline in tracking back after darting forward. But that comes with the time and experience that he is now looking to gain.
The defender did not jet off on United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia with new boss Erik ten Hag, with an imminent loan move being the reason. The same goes for promising midfielder Shola Shoretire. Whether the Premier League is too much too soon for both remains to be seen.
Looking at the situation with the most rationale possible, Fernandez looks to be at least two seasons away from challenging for the left-back spot at United – if all goes to plan with Luke Shaw and Malacia.
As of right now, Brandon Williams and Alex Telles could be heading for the exit door at Old Trafford, meaning Fernandez would advance to third in line even while away from the club.
Malacia, 22, is likely looked at as the long-term option and it is no secret that Ten Hag is a big fan of the player. However, Shaw is not getting any younger and his injury record and consistency will be under the loop once again this season.
Two good seasons with an upward development trajectory could see Fernandez morph into the perfect full-back and provide an excellent strength in depth option for Ten Hag – and one that is potentially ready to challenge for the first-choice spot.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia