Ex-Man Utd youngster discusses making return after ETH revealed transfer clause

Alvaro Fernandez says he has no plans to return to Manchester United in January amid speculation linking him with a return to Old Trafford.

The talented left-back, 21, left United in the summer to join Benfica after failing to break into Erik ten Hag's plans at the club. However, United have since fallen short in Fernandez's position, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined.

While Malacia is now on the cusp of a return to the first team, Fernandez's good form in Portugal has led to speculation that United could look to re-sign him in January as they included a buyback option in the £5 deal million that earned him. abroad.

But the defender has poured cold water on that theory, telling Marca: “I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more. To be honest, I don't pay much attention to it.

“I'm concentrating on what I have to do because I have a match every three days. It's always nice when teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I'm doing very well here. United have a signed option to buy, but I'm very happy here.

“I have a five-year contract with Benfica. I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am only 21 years old. I want to win, whether with Spain or Benfica, to keep growing.”

While Fernandez failed to make a senior appearance for United before joining Benfica, Ten Hag revealed the defender would still be monitored by the club.

Ahead of his departure from United last month, Ten Hag kept the door open for Fernandez to make a sensational return, saying: “I think the process is perfect. We loaned him to Preston, he came back, then we loaned him to Granada, he didn't play that much there, and of course we watched him all the time and now we had the chance to sell him.

“But we have a buyback [clause] so we have control over the situation, I think that's what he needed. From Preston, then go to La Liga, go to Portugal [with Benfica]moving up to a higher club and a better competition every time. Now we have to look at the situation and assess whether he can be an option for us.

“But playing for Man United is not that easy, playing in the Premier League for Manchester United is not that easy. You need experience, but also development. You get development by playing for better clubs and in better competitions.”