After it was announced that Tyrell Malacia would miss Manchester United's pre-season tour of the United States through injury, Alvaro Fernandez's eyes must have lit up.
Fernandez, who joined United from Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid back in September 2020, excelled on loan at Championship club Preston North End last season, earning a wave of plaudits. It was the first time he had experienced regular first-team football and he gobbled up the opportunity.
Operating as both a left-back and left wing-back, the Spaniard made 42 appearances for the Deepdale outfit, chipping in with six assists. It was a highly successful loan spell and had it not been for the success of Amad's stint at Sunderland it would have earned more attention.
He has all of the necessary traits within his armoury to fulfil his ambition of becoming a top-class left-back. He is aggressive, good on the ball, a strong runner and a creator from wide areas.
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He started United's opening two games of pre-season, helping the Reds defeat Leeds United and Lyon. Though the return of the club's international contingent prior to the tour of the US meant he would lose that starting berth, opportunities looked as though they would still be forthcoming after Malacia missed out.
Manager Erik ten Hag named three left-backs in his tour squad, selecting Fernandez alongside Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams. Shaw is United's chief left-back and the only way he is going to lose his place this season is via an injury or suspension.
Therefore, it was no surprise that
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