Why Alvaro Fernandez will be a good addition at Manchester United
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Daily Express), Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Fernandez Carreras.
The 17-year-old left-back came through the youth ranks at Deportivo La Coruna before Real Madrid signed him three years ago.
The young full-back has featured for Madrid’s Juvenil C team this season. However, he reached the end of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu on June 30, thus, opening the doors for Manchester United to sign him.
The report also suggests that Alvaro will pen a four-year deal at Old Trafford and will become manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first summer signing when he makes the switch to England from Spain. Alvaro’s move to the Premier League will see him join the Red Devils youth team to undergo development before being given first-team opportunities.
Alvaro fits the kind of young talent Manchester United want
Solskjaer’s side have shrugged off some initial struggles and are currently fifth in the league table following a string of good displays.
However, the Norwegian boss would be aware that is not enough, and their interest in rising talent Alvaro makes complete sense. Moreover, he also fits the mould of young and hungry talents with which Solskjaer is trying to build a team at Old Trafford.
In fact, this season has witnessed the likes of teenagers such as Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood being offered first-team opportunities under Solskjaer. The two academy graduates also proved Solskjaer’s decision to keep faith in them right by delivering the goods, which has seen them establish themselves as key players in the first-team this season.
The 19-year-old Williams has played 31 games across all competitions for the Red Devils this term and has shared the left-back duties alongside main man Luke Shaw. 18-year-old Greenwood, on the other hand, has become a regular in the side in recent months after scoring an impressive 16 goals in his breakthrough season at Old Trafford.
With the manager clearly backing young and upcoming talents, a move for Alvaro seems like a step in the right direction by the club. With Shaw and Williams already in the first-team, it is true that Alvaro would not be a guaranteed starter.
However, he could be an excellent future signing for the club and will offer Solskjaer an extra option at left-back if the need arises. Hence, United’s decision to rope in the young Spaniard looks like a win-win situation for both parties.
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Verdict
Manchester United currently have just two left-backs in Shaw and Williams. Alvaro’s addition, thus, will only bolster their squad in terms of depth and future. Moreover, he is just 17 and can develop under the guidance of a coach like Solskjaer. Though first-team opportunities will be very limited for the teenage talent, he could be an excellent investment for the Red Devils if he develops into a fine player.
