“He did to me the same thing he did to Sancho. I have to leave the club as soon as possible and I will prove my worth to him”-Man Utd fans furious as highly-rated youngster set to leave just hours after Jadon Sancho exit

Reports suggest that Manchester United’s left-back, Alvaro Fernandez, is on the verge of leaving the club to join Benfica, a move that has left fans unimpressed. Fernandez, who initially joined United’s academy from Real Madrid and was named their U21 Player of the Year for 2021/22, enjoyed a successful loan spell with Preston North End in the Championship last season.

Despite spending pre-season with United, the 20-year-old was loaned out again to La Liga side Granada this term. While he has made 13 league appearances, seven were as a substitute, not meeting Fernandez’s expectations for the season.

Portuguese outlet Record reports ongoing talks between United and Benfica for a potential permanent transfer, though a finalized deal may include an option to buy clause.

United fans expressed their frustration on Twitter, with one stating, “If a buyback isn’t included in the Alvaro Fernandez deal, then I really don’t understand what’s going on in the way the club conducts business.” Another fan added, “Utterly bizarre when you realize some of the swings and roundabouts in that LB position.” A third fan mentioned, “If Benfica and Dortmund are trying to buy your top young talents, it’s a sign not to sell them.”

Expressing disappointment, a fourth fan exclaimed, “Alvaro Fernandez is the best full-back I’ve seen come up in this academy in more than a decade. I will be amazed but not surprised by his sale to Benfica.” Questioning the decision, a fifth fan asked, “Selling Alvaro Fernandez for just £10m is incredibly strange. Why did we even sign [Tyrell] Malacia?” The concerns among the fan base highlight the uncertainty surrounding the departure of another promising young talent from the club.