The last round of fixtures in Portugal’s top division was dominated by Ruben Amorim’s fairytale farewell to Sporting CP, but on the same night, Benfica and Porto played out a thrilling clash, hoping to capitalise on any drop-off in the post-Amorim era.
The 39-year-old signed off from Sporting with a 4-2 comeback win at Braga, but a couple of hours later, it was Benfica who were celebrating, 4-1 victors against Porto to suggest a three-way fight for the title could be on the cards. For the second week in a row, Benfica’s effervescent left-back was among the stars of the show.
Alvaro Fernandez Carreras scored for the second straight league game. The 21-year-old Spaniard now has two goals and two assists in 16 games this season. The stands at Portugal’s big three are packed with scouts every weekend, but Fernandez is turning heads this season.
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He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and Liverpool are reported to be watching him closely as they plan a succession for Andy Robertson, but Manchester United could hold a trump card when it comes to their former left-back.
Fernandez never made a first-team appearance between arriving at Old Trafford from Real Madrid in September 2020 and leaving permanently for Benfica four years later, but that hasn’t stopped a few wistful supporters from wondering whether he should have been sold this summer.
His performances in Portugal’s domestic league and in the Champions League suggest a player now blossoming, and the size of the clubs credited with interest shows the standard of his performances. Benfica will surely turn a profit from their investment this summer, with United selling the left-back for £5m, with a further £2.5m in add-ons.
That was a deal agreed when Fernandez joined Benfica on loan in January 2024, with the Portuguese giants activating that option at the end of the season. United did include a sell-on clause and a buy-back option, rumoured to be around £17m and in place until the end of the summer 2026 window.
That makes Fernandez a legitimate option if Amorim looks to sign a left-sided wing-back, either in January or next summer. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia will look to make that spot their own in the coming weeks and months, and Amad and Antony might fancy a go at it as well.
But Fernandez has the attacking quality and the engine to fulfil Amorim’s brief on the wing and he would have seen him up close and personal as well this season. With United operating on a limited budget, it would be an easy deal to do, and Fernandez was asked about a potential Old Trafford return recently.
“I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more,’ Fernandez told Marca. “To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it.
“I’m focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days. It’s always nice to have teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here. United have a signed purchase option, but I’m very happy here.
“I have a five-year contract with Benfica. I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow.”
If left wingback remains a problem position this season, Fernandez might yet be the ideal solution.
