Manchester United graduate Alvaro Fernandez is eyeing a loan move to a top league following his temporary stint with Preston North End last season.
The 20-year-old is one of the best young graduates at the Red Devils, but it is unclear whether he would be part of manager Erik ten Hag’s plans next term.
Luke Shaw is currently the first-choice left-back for United. Tyrell Malacia will most likely be the deputy once he returns from the injury that has ruled him out of the US tour.
Speaking exclusively to AS, Fernandez has said that he is hopeful of staying with the United first team, but is also open to the prospect of leaving on loan.
The former Real Madrid youngster added that he is attracting interest from Championship teams including Preston, but he prefers to join a top league.
He said: “Hopefully I can stay in the United first team. If it doesn’t happen and I have to go out on loan, then keep working hard and keep growing.”
“I am 20 years old and what I want is to play. But if it can be at United, much better.
“I have been called [by] great Championship teams. And Preston wanted to continue counting on me.
“But in case of going out on loan, I would say that the time has come to go to a top league. Not to say directly the Premier League or La Liga.”
When pressed about a future return to Spain, the promising left-back opened the door to the possibility, he added: “In the end, I have been away [from Spain] for a few years.”
“That’s fine, but there’s always that spark to return. I’m great in England, it’s the truth, but there is always that door open to return to Spain in the future.”
Fernandez could be set for high-profile loan deal
The Spaniard suffered an early ankle injury during his loan spell at Preston last season. However, he managed to recover and play a key role for the club.
Fernandez registered six assists from 42 appearances in all competitions. He won an impressive 1.7 tackles and 4.9 duels per game for the Championship side.
His passing accuracy was less at 69 per cent, but this was justifiable, considering Preston used him in the left wing-back position for the majority of the campaign.
Fernandez has impressed in his three pre-season games for United, but he is most likely to be loaned out again, suppose Malacia returns to full fitness next month.
A high-profile loan could be on the cards. In our view, a move to the Eredivisie or Bundesliga could suit him. Guarantee playing time could be key to any loan deal.
If Fernandez has a successful loan stint in top-flight football next term, Ten Hag could have a big decision to make over his future ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
