Preston North End defender Bambo Diaby has sent a warning rather jokingly to Alvaro Fernandez that he must return to Deepdale next season.
The award winning Manchester United academy star has spent the season on loan at PNE, proving to be a great fit as a left wing back in Ryan Lowe’s side and has gained valuable first-team experience, which will hopefully stand him in good stead for a bright future at Old Trafford.
We are not naive in thinking that won’t be a huge step up for Fernandez, but the kid has pedigree. Just a year ago, the left back was voted United’s Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award for 2021/22.
The youngster picked up the award before winning the FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest on a memorable night at Old Trafford.
Fernandez has bagged two assist in 31 matches in the Championship for Preston, which is not only promising but it also gives the Spaniard something to work on if he is to become a top player.
I get the impression PNE would have Fernandez back in a heartbeat next season, but that will be a decision for Erik ten Hag to make when he assess his squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
One player who wants Fernandez to remain at Deepdale is Bambo Diaby. He’s one of his team-mates that speaks fluent Spanish, so we can imagine they have become close friends throughout the season.
Diaby has told Lancs Live that he wants to see Fernandez back next season but is leaving the decision up to the United starlet.
He also sent a warning that he might ‘kill him’ if the pair don’t remain friends after this season, jokingly adding that h knows where Fernandez lives.
“I don’t know, honestly,” said Diaby. “Because, if it was for me, I want to still play with him – of course! He is a very good player and I think everyone would want him in their team. He has a lot of quality and is a very nice guy. I have a very good relationship with him, especially, but it is his future and I think he needs to decide that. He will need to talk with the managers, his agent and everything and make his decisions.
“If he does not I kill him. So, he decides; I know where he lives and know everything about him, so…”
It is unlikely that Fernandez will be in United’s starting line-up next season, but Ten Hag may want to give another few youth players a chance next season. Only time will tell.
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