Former Manchester United star Alvaro Fernandez addresses transfer return rumours

Benfica star Alvaro Fernandez has addressed rumours that he could be in line for a return to Manchester United.

Fernandez left United in the summer to join Benfica after spending the second half of last season on loan with the Portuguese club, with the deal worth €6million (£5million) rising to €9million (£7.5million). The left-back failed to make a single senior appearance for United during his time at Old Trafford, featuring predominately for the club's academy teams or was away on loan.

The 21-year-old spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Preston North End, where he was voted the club's Young Player of the Year by supporters, and had a temporary stint in Spain with Granada or the first half of last season before signing for Benfica in January. The former United star is now thriving in Portugal, and his form has seen him linked with a return to Manchester, while Premier League rivals Liverpool have also been mentioned as a potential destination.

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that United are interested in re-signing Fernandez just a few months after his exit. The Reds inserted a buy-back clause into the deal that saw the left-back join Benfica, who has made 11 appearances so far this season.

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United have been heavily linked with signing a new left-back in January following the injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Fernandez was asked about the rumours of a possible return to United after featuring for Benfica in the defeat to Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

"I only think about Benfica. I'm only