Amorim ‘could re-sign’ £42m player months after he was sold by Erik ten Hag as scouts sent his name as top performing wing back in the world
Manchester United may be considering an unexpected move to re-sign Álvaro Fernández, a former academy graduate who was allowed to leave the club by Erik ten Hag at the end of last season.
With the January transfer window approaching, Ruben Amorim is reportedly looking to strengthen his squad, fueling speculation about Marcus Rashford’s future. The 27-year-old forward has attracted interest from PSG and Saudi Pro League clubs, leading Manchester United to prepare a five-man shortlist of potential replacements.
At the same time, the club is seeking reinforcements at left-back following Luke Shaw’s recent injury setback. While there is reportedly a “verbal agreement” in place for Paraguayan left-back Diego León to join in the summer of 2025, United may pursue an immediate option to address their current needs.
Reports suggest that Álvaro Fernández is on the club’s radar. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who left United without making a senior appearance, has impressed since moving to Benfica. Fernández joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2020 and was named the club’s Under-23 Player of the Year in 2022. However, he struggled to find regular game time during loan spells at Preston and Granada under Ten Hag. His form improved significantly after joining Benfica, initially on loan, before making the move permanent in 2023 for a fee of around £5 million. Now a key player for Benfica, his performances have reignited United’s interest, with scouts reportedly watching him during Benfica’s Champions League match against Bologna.
Fernández’s current contract includes a £42 million release clause, but United could activate a buy-back option that would allow them to re-sign him for as little as £16.5 million. Erik ten Hag has previously acknowledged the club’s ongoing interest in Fernández. Speaking in October, he highlighted the player’s developmental journey, noting his progression through various leagues and the opportunities this provided. Ten Hag remarked that Fernández’s experience at Preston, Granada, and Benfica represented steady improvement, though he emphasized the challenges of playing for Manchester United in the Premier League.
Fernández’s growth at Benfica has put him back on United’s radar, and a potential return to Old Trafford could allow the player to fulfill the promise the club initially saw in him. As January approaches, his name remains central to discussions about how Manchester United will reinforce their squad for the second half of the season.
