Manchester United are on the prowl for Spanish youngster Alvaro Fernandez who plays as a left back for Benfica. The 21-year old has caught the eyes of the scouts from the club and have urged the board to sign the young lad. The Spaniard has impressed fans at Benfica.
The Red Devils have been very poor defensively this season. They’ve also struggled with injuries recently with Malacia and Shaw constantly being unfit to play regular football. The new manager has asked for a new defender who can potentially be fit to play regularly. Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested in signing the 21-year old.
Can Alvaro Fernandez become the missing piece to Manchester United “fullback problems?”
New manager Ruben Amorim prefers a system with wide wing backs. Therefore, a pacy wing back with decent defensive skills is a must for Manchester United. They’re at the bottom half of the table and are desperate to turn things around now. With the derby win against Man City, the fans can believe in the process. The young lad has a huge release clause of ยฃ42 million. Real Madrid are expected to pay the release clause if they make their mind on signing the player.
Fernandez might fit in the team as he knows the club very well. The 21-year old has been a part of the Man Utd academy and knows how it feels to represent the values of this big club. However, things haven’t really gone United’s way recently in the past.
The young lad is one of the most promising fullbacks in the Portuguese league right now. Defensively he has won 62% of his duels with 4.7 recoveries and 2.3 tackles per game. He has proved his mettle as a defender in the Portuguese top division. He has also scored two goals and provided two assists for Benfica.
Former manager Ten Hag didn’t consider the player in his plans but maybe the new coach has a change of mind? Amorim has seen the player ball out in the Portuguese league and should address his talent. It’s a risk worth to take for Manchester United given their current situation.
Malacia and Shaw going near to the exit gate of Old Trafford
With so many links for a new fullback, it is certain either Luke Shaw or Malacia will be sold in the near future. There have been fitness concerns for both of them, and have highly disappointed former manager Ten Hag. Malacia was signed on the request made by the Dutchman, however he failed to perform for Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim prefers a quick formation using wide fullbacks who have pace to shoot up front. Therefore, it is unlikely that Luke Shaw or Malacia become the undisputed left back in the Manchester United starting lineup in Amorim era. The new manager has a strict principle regarding diet and fitness. Thus, it feels that their time at Old Trafford is coming to an end soon.
Author’s Opinion:
I feel that Manchester United should make some huge changes to their defensive set-up. Amorim’s play style is very different to that of Ten Hag. Certain players do not have the quality suitable enough to play for such a big club. To compete against the big dogs of the Premier league, they must sign some new players bolstering their defence and midfield on an urgent basis. Regarding Alvaro Fernandez, it’s a risk that United should not be afraid to take. They are not in a position to be relaxed and take planned decisions. I feel that given Fernandez’s previous past at United, he can adapt in the team and become an instant hit.
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