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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