Erik ten Hag can give Alvaro Fernandez something he wasn't expecting at Manchester United

After the success of Amad's loan spell at Sunderland last season, it could be argued that Alvaro Fernandez's stint at Preston North End went somewhat under the radar.

The Manchester United left-back, who joined the club from Real Madrid almost three years ago, spent last term on loan at Deepdale, gaining valuable first-team experience for the very first time. He racked up 42 appearances in all competitions, producing a series of polished performances.

Deployed mainly as a left-sided wing-back, Fernandez was one of North End's star performers, registering a respectable tally of six assists. He made the most of his stint in Lancashire, resulting in North End supporters desperately hoping he would return after his loan deal reached its conclusion.

They frequently raved about him and that praise was justified when he bagged the club's Young Player of the Season award. A year earlier, he had scooped United's Under-23 Player of the Year award.

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With two respectable awards in the bag in the space of just 12 months, there is understandable hype surrounding the 20-year-old and his potential. There is a genuine belief that he has the tools needed to become a top full-back in the future.

However, the jump from the Championship to the Premier League, particularly when returning to a club of United's stature, is an enormous one. Not even Amad, who flourished in the second tier last term, scoring 14 goals, is guaranteed to be part of Erik ten Hag's plans this forthcoming season.

Fernandez, though, has already had two opportunities to try and