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.

Manchester United’s interest in re-signing Álvaro Fernández reflects their evolving strategy to address immediate squad needs while securing long-term solutions. Fernández, now a standout performer for Benfica, offers a compelling mix of youthful potential and experience, making him an attractive option as the club seeks reinforcements at left-back following Luke Shaw’s injury setback.

The inclusion of Fernández on United’s radar aligns with Erik ten Hag’s acknowledgment of the Spaniard’s steady development during his stints at Preston, Granada, and now Benfica. His journey highlights the value of gaining experience across competitive leagues before potentially returning to the Premier League. The buy-back clause of £16.5 million provides Manchester United with a cost-effective route to secure a player who has significantly increased his market value and proven his ability in high-stakes matches, including the Champions League.

If Fernández returns, his familiarity with the club’s setup and his technical growth could allow him to seamlessly integrate into a squad that urgently needs depth at left-back. While United reportedly have a verbal agreement with Paraguayan left-back Diego León for 2025, Fernández could provide an immediate solution without compromising their long-term strategy.

This potential move also underscores Ten Hag’s pragmatic approach to squad building. Re-signing Fernández would not only address current injury challenges but also reinforce the club’s reputation for nurturing talent. As the January transfer window approaches, Fernández’s return could be a vital step in stabilizing United’s defensive line while signaling their commitment to leveraging past investments in player development.