In an exclusive interview with AS, Manchester United youngster Alvaro Fernandez has spoken about his early career with the club after making the move from Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old was signed by United from Los Blancos three years ago and he is currently on a season-long loan spell with Preston North End in the Championship.
The Spaniard has managed four assists in 29 appearances thus far and he is delighted to have got the opportunity to play regular first-team football this season.
He told AS: “I have more than 1800 minutes and 29 games, so yes, very good. It’s what I wanted. There is a good relationship between clubs.”
“I had good options for the Championship and some other league, but they recommended me to come here. Some came from Spain, but Manchester United remained firm.
“There were purchase options and they were not willing.”
When asked about his decision to leave Madrid in 2020, Fernandez added that he wanted to grow in football and United came with an incredible proposal for him.
He added: “What I wanted was to grow in football and United came with an incredible proposal.”
“Thank God I am now on loan in the second division, with a United first team card. Luckily it didn’t go bad at all.
“I wanted to play with adults and I’m already playing in the second English at the age of 19.”
The Spaniard is unsure over his future after his temporary stint at Deepdale but remains hopeful of making his Red Devils debut under manager Erik ten Hag at some point.
He concluded: “Hopefully, let’s see what decision they make in Manchester in the summer.”
“I haven’t talked to them at the moment. I’m here now and I’m just thinking about my club and let’s see what happens in the summer.
“The decision they make… they are in charge. The time will come to debut with United.”
Fernandez could be loaned out to a Premier League club
The left-back has had a good season with Preston in the second tier but he is far from the finished article. He has plenty of room for improvement with his overall distribution.
Fernandez currently averages just 17 passes per game with an accuracy of 68 per cent. This is a department where he has to improve to become a United regular in the long run.
In our opinion, the Red Devils could loan him out to a Premier League club next term to gain more first-team experience. Ten Hag can then evaluate whether he is ready for the first team.
As things stand, Luke Shaw is the undisputed first-choice for the left-back position with Tyrell Malacia being his deputy. Fernandez’ prospects of breaking into the squad are very slim.
However, things can change very quickly in football. It remains to be seen whether Fernandez continues to stay patient and improve to knock on the door of the United squad in future.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com
