Alvaro Fernandez, a youthful full-back, has signed a loan deal with Portuguese team Benfica that will last until the end of the current campaign, according to Manchester United.

The 20-year-old played on loan for Spanish team Grenada for the first part of the season.Earlier in the window, a break clause in the loan agreement was triggered, leading to his recall to Old Trafford.

The defender has returned to the Portuguese club Benfica on loan till the conclusion of the campaign, United has now confirmed.Manchester Evening News is aware that the agreement includes a buy option, which suggests that the relocation may become permanent during the summer transfer season.

Since moving from Real Madrid to United in September 2020, the left-back has played for the club. In 2022, he was named Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year.

Fernandez participated in preseason activities with United’s first team, starting four of the team’s friendlies as they intensified their season-long training camp. In the San Diego friendly versus Wrexham, he set up Marc Jurado’s goal.

The full-back played on loan with Preston North End of the Championship last season, when he contributed to their 12th-place league result. Having participated in 42 competitions overall, he made an impressive impression in the second tier.

It was an absolute joy to represent this team, and I will always be appreciative to the supporters and the club as a whole, but most of all, to the individuals who have looked after and supported me on a daily basis since day one.

“We both wanted the season to go better, but we also made some incredible memories, and I will always look back on my time at the club as a crucial period in my professional development.

“I hope they have the best possible season-long luck. I have faith that this team and our devoted supporters has the mindset and willpower necessary to finish the season strong.

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