The emergence that Manchester United had sold Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica did not cause a ripple on May 26. Many United supporters were still possibly drunk from their FA Cup triumph the previous day.
Benfica paid United a fixed fee of €6million, with €3m in add-ons. The terms included a high percentage sell-on clause and a buy-back option that expires in 2026.
Perception and timing are Erik ten Hag's enemies at the moment. Both of United's specialist left backs are still unavailable and Fernandez is now the starting left back for Benfica. READ MORE: United's prediction about their great survivor is about to become true READ MORE: United's potential solution is nearing his breakthrough He was the recipient of the man of the match orb after their 4-0 Champions League drubbing of Atletico Madrid this month.
The former Real Madrid youth-teamer could head back to Spain for senior international duty soon. Alejandro Grimaldo, starter for Spain at left back in their 1-0 defeat of Denmark on Saturday, left Benfica for Bayer Leverkusen last year.