Manchester United signed highly-rated Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Carreras Fernandez in 2020, but he has since failed to make a single first-team appearance at Old Trafford
Alvaro Fernandez has yet to make a competitive appearance for Manchester United, despite joining the club three-and-a-half years ago from Real Madrid.
Having begun his career in Spain with Galicia de Caranza, Racing de Ferrol, and Deportivo de La Coruna, Fernandez moved to Real Madrid’s academy in 2017. However, he departed the club without making a senior appearance, opting to sign for Manchester United instead of accepting a new contract offer from Real Madrid.
Highly regarded by Real Madrid, Fernandez’s move to Manchester United was considered a coup for the English club, beating out competition from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City. However, his time at Manchester United has not been marked by significant success thus far.
After spending two years with Manchester United’s Under 21s, Fernandez went out on loan to Preston for the entirety of the previous season. He impressed during his loan spell, making 42 appearances and contributing four assists as Preston finished 12th in the Championship. Fernandez’s performances earned him the Young Player of the Year award at Preston.
Returning to Manchester United last summer, Fernandez was included in the first-team squad during pre-season under Erik ten Hag’s management, featuring in several matches, including a draw against Athletic Bilbao. However, he was loaned out once again at the beginning of the season, this time to Granada.
At Granada, Fernandez experienced varying levels of involvement, making his first start in a draw against Barcelona in October. He alternated between starting and being a substitute before being recalled by Manchester United in January.
Alvaro Fernandez, who participated in Manchester United’s pre-season activities, found himself loaned out to Benfica just three days after his return to Manchester. The loan deal includes an optional buy-clause, rumored to be £5.15 million, which would be triggered if Fernandez starts in 50 percent of Benfica’s matches until the end of the current season.
To date, Fernandez has started only one match for Benfica, which was the Taca de Portugal quarter-final against Vizela, resulting in a 2-1 victory for his team. He has made appearances as a substitute in six other games and remained unused on the bench in five fixtures, including their win over Casa Pia before the international break.
Following Fernandez’s first start last month, Benfica boss Roger Smidt offered a positive evaluation, stating to Mais Futebol: “Carreras did well, especially in the first half; they had very good moments in attack.”
“He was fine with his decisions. I think he had a very good game, in the second half he didn’t have so many attacking moments, but I think it was a good first game as a starter.”
Fernandez is currently away with Spain Under 21s during the international break and could feature for them against Belgium on Tuesday. After that, attention turns to Benfica as they prepare to face Chaves on Friday.
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