Ruben Amorim may not want Alvaro Fernandez. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United are living up to the expectations of a quiet transfer window despite the club suffering their worst-ever start to a season in the months that preceded January. The Red Devils are cash-strapped and will likely rely on player sales to make any significant moves this month.
‘s £600million-plus spending frenzy in the two-and-a-half years he was manager has left the club teetering on the limits of PSR and FFP.
evidently needs to start reshaping the squad he inherited from the Dutchman as he works to instil his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford.
But his rebuild looks set to start in the summer, with a lack of funds putting the shackles on United’s wild expenditure in recent years.
Amorim needs reinforcements in multiple positions. He could do with a new left-sided centre-back to compete with Lisandro Martinez and an established goalscorer in Viktor Gyokeres’ ilk.
United will also have fresh blood in midfield on their radar as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, 32, both near the exit door this year.
However, the most pressing position Amorim must upgrade is left-wing-back, and the Portuguese tactician is bound to address it this summer at the latest.
Luke Shaw’s continued injury setbacks have meant he hasn’t started a match for United since the trip to Luton Town in February last year.
Alvaro Fernandez has exploded at Benfica. (Image: Getty)
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Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia has somewhat unsurprisingly struggled to rediscover his quality and condition after spending 18 months on the sidelines.
Amorim’s weak natural options have left him utilising Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Antony as his three left-wing-backs since arriving in November.
United have been linked with a swoop for Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, who shares a great relationship with Amorim from playing under him at Sporting.
But the M16 giants are considered unlikely to lure the 22-year-old from the Parc des Princes this month, and a potential swoop has been earmarked for the summer.
While funds are low, a golden opportunity to bolster Amorim’s ranks is starting United directly in the face.
And the struggles are aware of it after Portuguese outlet O Jogo reported that scouts were in attendance for Benfica’s clash with Braga.
United were claimed to be monitoring Alvaro Fernandez, who permanently left the club in the summer but is the subject of a buy-back clause worth £16.8m.
Fernandez represented one of United’s most exciting academy prospects after joining from Real Madrid in 2020 but didn’t join the 251 debutants.
The Spaniard spent the second half of last season on loan at Benfica before the deal was made permanent in the summer. He has gone from strength to strength this term.
The scouts in attendance watched Fernandez score a stunner as part of a well-rounded performance in Benfica’s 3-0 win in the Taca da Liga.
Given United’s current left-wing-back dilemma, it feels like a no-brainer that Amorim should look to sanction Fernandez’s return to Manchester.
He would come back more versed in senior football, having started all but two of Benfica’s games this season, making 26 appearances.
But Mendes is reportedly Amorim’s top target, and United may ignore the opportunity to reclaim Fernandez’s services for a cut-price fee if it saves money for the current boss to recruit who he wants this summer.