Man United get green light for return transfer as Erik ten Hag makes feelings on exit clear

Manchester United's decision to let Alvaro Fernandez leave the club in the summer transfer window already looks a poor one.

More than two months into the campaign, Erik ten Hag has still been unable to name a natural left-back in his starting XI this season. Luke Shaw has not played since February and Tyrell Malacia last played for United in May 2023.

Their ongoing absences have meant Diogo Dalot has done almost all of the heavy lifting at left-back.

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Some fans have questioned the club allowing Fernandez to leave in the summer. He joined Benfica on a permanent deal after spending the second half of last season on loan in Portugal.

Fernandez, 21, joined the Portuguese side in a deal initially worth €6million. He left United having failed to make a single appearance for the first team.

Having spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Preston North End, the first half of last season at Granada and then the second half of last season at Benfica, it was clear United felt his development would be aided by regular game time.

However, Fernandez's sharp rise at Benfica this season has resulted in supporters criticising United's decision to sell him when they did. At the time, securing a €6m fee for a player that had never played for the club felt like excellent business.

Fernandez has produced a string of eye-catching performances, not least against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League earlier this month. Amid his upward trajectory, it could prove to be good news for United that they have the option to re-sign him via a buy-back clause. It is understood