‘I’m focused’ – Benfica star not thinking about Manchester United return

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·18 November 2024

‘I’m focused’ – Benfica star not thinking about Manchester United return

Alvaro Fernandez is enjoying a terrific campaign in Portugal as a regular in the Benfica line-up.

The left-back insists he is ‘very happy’ at Benfica and is not focusing on a return to Manchester United in January.

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Why wouldn’t Fernandez be happy? He has a starting place in a decent side and is playing football at a high level.

The Spain U21 international could help solve a few issues that exist with the current team, which has had some fans question Erik ten Hag’s decision to overlook him at the start of last season.

Fernandez has improved since then and is now being linked with a move back to Old Trafford amid the arrival of Ruben Amorim as head coach from Sporting CP.

The left-back left United to join Benfica on loan in January with that move made permanent at the end of the 2023/24 season for a fee of £5 million.

His performances in Portugal have attracted interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, but Erik ten Hag was quick to remind reporters that United do retain a buyback option which they could choose to activate at some point in the future.

Alvaro Fernandez not paying attention to Manchester United links

(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

It was suggested that United could look to sign Fernandez from Benfica in January to fix their issues at left-back, especially with Amorim favouring a 3-4-3 formation with wing-backs.

However, Fernandez is not paying any attention to the reports as he is focused on his development at Benfica.

“I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more,” Fernandez told Marca. “To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it.

“I’m focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days. It’s always nice to have teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here. United have a signed purchase option, 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 still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow.”

Fernandez joined United as a 16-year-old from Real Madrid and excelled in the academy, winning the Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year award.

He also impressed during a loan spell at Preston in the Championship.