Former Man Utd defender responds to rumours of summer transfer to Old Trafford

Manchester United are eyeing a summer move for Benfica left-back Alvaro Fernandez (Picture: Getty)

Alvaro Fernandez says he remains ‘very happy’ at Benfica and is taking no notice of speculation linking him with a possible return to Manchester United in the summer.

The Spanish defender left Real Madrid’s youth ranks to join United’s academy back in 2020 and was subsequently sent on three separate loan spells to Preston, Granada and Benfica.

But after failing to break into United’s first-team, Fernandez completed a permanent move to Benfica for a fee in the region of €6million (£5m) with a view to nailing down regular minutes midway through last season.

The 21-year-old left-back has gone on to establish himself as a cornerstone of Bruno Lage’s Benfica side this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese outfit.

United have an option to buy Fernandez back for a fee of around €20m (£16.5m) and the Red Devils have reportedly been keeping close tabs on the youngster’s performances across the campaign.

Barcelona and Real Madrid, another of Fernandez’s former clubs, are also being credited with a strong interest in the Spain Under-21 international ahead of the summer transfer window.

‘The truth is that I’m overlooking it a bit,’ Fernandez told A Bola when asked about the rumours ahead of Benfica’s Champions League last-16 tie with Barca.

The Spain U21 international has enjoyed an excellent season with Benfica (Picture: Getty)

Amorim is keen for a squad overhaul in the summer transfer window (Picture: Getty)

‘I’m concentrating on what I have to do, because every three days I have a game.

‘There’s always interest from teams and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here [at Benfica].

‘Manchester United have an option to buy that has been signed, but I’m very happy here.’

Fernandez remains firmly on United’s radar as an option at left-back, despite the Old Trafford giants strengthening in the position with the recent addition of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.

Ruben Amorim also has Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot at his disposal on the left side of defence, while Tyrell Malacia is set to return from his loan spell with PSV Eindhoven at the end of the season.

Dorgu has endured a difficult start to his United career and is currently serving a three-match suspension following his sending off in the side’s 3-2 defeat to Ipswich.

However, the 20-year-old Denmark international is available for both legs United’s upcoming Europa League round-of-16 tie with Real Sociedad.

United signed young left-back Dorgu from Lecce in January (Picture: Getty)

Facing the media after Dorgu’s red card against Ipswich, Amorim was quick to defend the youngster, insisting he was ‘clearly ready’ for the rigours of Premier League.

‘He’s ready because he already proved that in the last game,’ the United head coach told reporters.

‘Any player here can have a mistake like today from Patrick and the sending off, he wants to play the ball.

‘Maybe he’s a little bit harsh with the way he went for the ball.

‘He’s inexperienced but he’s clearly ready for the Premier League.

‘People judge right away so last week he was okay, good performance against Everton and today they will say that he’s not experienced enough to play in the Premier League. But I don’t feel that way.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.