Forget Mendes, United can instantly improve by signing Benfica defender in January | OneFootball

Manchester United should prioritise a move for Benfica defender Alvaro Fernandez in the upcoming transfer window.

The Red Devils have accumulated just 22 points after 19 games in the Premier League this season.

The club needs reinforcements at the turn of the year, but manager Ruben Amorim may not have a big transfer budget due to financial issues.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes has been heavily linked with United this month, but a deal seems unlikely due to a hefty price tag.

The 22-year-old is valued at £46 million by Transfermarkt, and Les Parisiens could demand a higher fee despite his contract expiring in 18 months.

With United’s tight financial situation, a deal is unlikely to happen in January.

The hierarchy should focus on reuniting with Fernandez, who has been a revelation in his first full season with Benfica in Portugal.

The 21-year-old joined the Primeira Liga outfit on loan from United last winter, and Benfica triggered a £5m buy clause in the summer.

Fernandez was in and out of the line-up under previous manager Roger Schmidt, but his fortunes have changed since Bruno Lage took charge.

The Spaniard ace has four goal contributions from 24 appearances this term. He has also excelled with other key attributes for Benfica.

The United graduate has won 57 percent of his duels and averaged 5.5 recoveries, 2.2 tackles and 1.9 clearances per outing.

He has averaged 26 passes in the opposition half and completed 50% of his take-ons.

Fernandez has a release clause worth £41m in his contract, but United can re-sign him for £17m with their buy-back clause.

It appears a no-brainer decision to re-sign him with the favourable release clause, provided the club receive the green light from Amorim.

Fernandez played a full season in the left wing-back role during his loan spell at Preston North End. He may not require much time to adapt.

He would be a quality acquisition at the start of the year and would provide an instant upgrade on Diogo Dalot, who has lacked consistency.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.