Man Utd could sign Spanish star in January, representatives sent to watch cup final | OneFootball

Manchester United sent representatives to watch the Taca da Liga final between Sporting Lisbon and Benfica over the weekend, according to O Jogo.

The Red Devils have struggled to find consistency in the left wing-back position under manager Ruben Amorim, and a new solution could be sought.

The board have opened the door for Tyrell Malacia’s exit. They are open to accepting an initial loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the campaign.

If the Dutchman were to leave, the Red Devils could turn their focus to Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez, who was probably the focus in the Taca da Liga final.

Fernandez joined Benfica on loan from the Red Devils last winter. The Portuguese giants took the option to sign him permanently by triggering a £5 million buy clause.

The decision has proved worthwhile with the Spaniard becoming an undisputed starter at left-back ever since Bruno Lage replaced Roger Schmidt as Benfica’s manager.

The 21-year-old has won 60 percent of his duels in the Primeira Liga this season. He has made 5.6 recoveries, 2.1 tackles and 1.9 clearances on average.

He has also chipped in with five goal contributions with an average of 26 passes in the opposition half per league game.

It appears a no-brainer decision for United to re-sign him by activating the £16.8m buy-back clause in his contract.

Bayern Munich have identified Fernandez as a potential replacement for Alphonso Davies but they may need to meet his £42m release clause to prise him away.

United have the upper hand in the pursuit, and they could swoop for his services this winter after having previously sent scouts to monitor him at Benfica.

Fernandez is an attack-minded left-back and could fit perfectly in the wing-back role. He has experience in the position from his season-long loan deal at Preston North End.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.