Manchester United have been without a specialist left-back for most of the season due to multiple injuries. Some fans argue that Erik ten Hag missed a trick sending Alvaro Fernandez on loan at the start of the season.
This has often led to fans questioning why Erik ten Hag let Alvaro Fernandez leave the club on loan at the start of the season, but Sergio Reguilon had been brought in from Tottenham on loan.
However, with Luke Shaw nearing a return in January, a decision was made to send Reguilon back to Tottenham. Ten Hag didn’t think his primary left-back would be hit with another long-term injury and he hasn’t had Tyrell Malacia available for selection all season.
Shaw has missed 23 games and there is no word on when he will return. Meanwhile, Malacia has been in the treatment room since pre-season.
United fans have been subjected to watching Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof at left-back in recent weeks as a result.
Alvaro Fernandez struggling at Benfica
The Spaniard, who was regarded a prospect in United’s academy, was sent on loan to Granada at the end of the transfer window. That loan was terminated in January because the Reds opted to send him to Portuguese giants Benfica instead.
Those that argued Ten Hag made a mistake by sending Fernandez out on loan are now eating their words because the 20-year-old has not pulled up any trees in Portugal.
Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha (H/t Sport Witness) have come down hard on the wing-back. They criticise Fernandez for not providing any “security” when playing at left-back for Benfica since his temporary move.
Fernandez has made 10 appearances across all competitions for Benfica so far this season. The report also suggests that he’s taking “too long to convince” his new coaches.
This will only raise questions about what the future holds for Fernandez. United are going to try sell him in the summer, but it remains to be seen if the Spaniard can convince Benfica to sign him on a permanent deal.
Benfica have the option to make Fernandez’s loan deal permanent at the end of the season for €6 million.
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