Man Utd transfer: Could Red Devils afford former prodigy? Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Alvaro Fernandez.
• The Red Devils have a buyback clause to bring back the left-back.
• United cannot afford to sign him at the moment.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (3.5/5): Manchester Evening News provides update on Fernandez

Manchester United‘s crisis at the left flank has led to strong suggestions of the Mancunians making a move for their former star Alvaro Fernandez, who is now shining at Benfica. However, as things stand, they cannot sign him in January.

The story comes from the Manchester Evening News, who are one of the most reliable sources when it comes to updates from Manchester.

Value (4/5): Buy-back clause makes the move appealing

It is underlined that United cannot afford to bring Fernandez back to Old Trafford despite having a £16 million buy-back option without shifting Tyrell Malacia or Luke Shaw.

However, if they can manage to do that and balance their books, the Benfica star, who has a release clause worth north of £40 million in his Benfica contract for other suitors, would be a very appealing option.

Suitability (4/5): Ideal attacking threat

Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 relies heavily on the full-backs to create from wide areas. The Portuguese tactician currently doesn't have such an option at his disposal.

Fernandez, meanwhile, has shown he is capable of making a difference in the final third and has the engine to also cover his defensive responsibilities as a left-sided wing-back.

Upgrade? (3.5/5): Time to move flops

The 21-year-old is still relatively inexperienced but he is already more reliable than both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Shaw, despite his technical prowess, cannot stay fit and Malacia lacks the creative instincts to play under Amorim.

Logic (4/5): Homecoming

Fernandez first arrived in Manchester in the summer of 2020 from Real Madrid. Despite impressive loan spells, he didn't get any first-team opportunities. However, having shown his skill sets in Portugal, he is finally ready to address unfinished business at the Theatre of Dreams.

Whisper+ verdict: 19/25

Despite a very brief spell in Benfica, the Spaniard appears ready to take the next step and play at the highest level. United could also certainly do with a talent like him. But it seems the move relies heavily upon the side's financial fair play concerns in January.