Manchester United youngster Alvaro Fernandez breaks silence ahead of January transfer exit

Manchester United starlet Alvaro Fernandez has broken silence as he prepares to join Benfica after being recalled from his previous loan spell with Granada CF. The left-back played 14 matches for the Spanish side this season, but is now preparing to head to Portugal for the remainder of the campaign.

Fernandez started just five La Liga games for Granada after signing a season-long deal. However, the break clause added into that agreement has been activated by United.

He will now sign for Benfica in an initial loan move. The Manchester Evening News understands the two clubs will include an option to buy in the deal - meaning Fernandez could end up leaving on a permanent basis this summer.

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As the defender prepares for a new challenge, he has reached out to Granada supporters by sending a message to them on popular social media platform Instagram. The player uploaded several images from his stint there and then added a caption.

It read: "My stay in Granada was special, but not as long as we hoped. It was a real pleasure to represent this club and I will always be grateful to the fans and the club in general, but above all to the people who spend day to day with me taking care of me and supporting me since day one."

Fernandez, who has not made one senior appearance for United, joined the club from Real Madrid in September 2020 after failing to agree a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu. He made progress within the Academy system and spent last season on loan at Preston.

The left-back played 42 games for the Lancashire side in all competitions last campaign. Fernandez is set to follow Donny