Decision time for Ten Hag with showdown talks involving Man Utd star who’s ousted an international coming
The future of a Man Utd star who’s keeping an international out of the eleven is coming to a head with upcoming showdown talks to determine his fate.
The summer arrival of Tyrell Malacia at Old Trafford had numerous effects at Manchester United. Firstly, the Dutchman has gone on to provide stiff competition for Luke Shaw, though his signing also placed another obstacle in the path of Brandon Williams.
The 22-year-old has been restricted to just five minutes of action in the League Cup this term. He recently challenged Ten Hag to give him a chance after his first plea fell on deaf eras.
However, another consequence of Malacia’s arrival was United became all the more willing to loan out fellow left-back, Alvaro Fernandez.
The Spaniard, 19, was poached from Real Madrid’s academy in 2020 and has developed a reputation for being an attack-minded and potentially explosive option on the left side.
Fernandez was subsequently loaned out to Championship side Preston North End three weeks after Malacia joined from Feyenoord.
He quickly established himself as a regular under manager Ryan Lowe and has generally been keeping Ireland international Robbie Brady out of the left wing-back position.
Fernandez’s contract with Man Utd is due to expire in the summer of 2024. There is an option for an extra 12 months, but for now at least he’s primed to become a free agent at the end of next season.
Now, Preston boss Ryan Lowe has indicated he and his club will soon hold talks with Man Utd regarding Fernandez’s future.
Preston will “have a review with Man Utd” – Ryan Lowe
On the subject of Preston moves including for Fernandez, Lowe said (via the Manchester Evening News): “We haven’t got that far as of yet.
“There are still games to go and the season is not finished. We want to try and finish as high as we possibly can – and we are going to go through bumps in the road, as most teams do.
“We will sit down and have a review with Man Utd and all of the loan players’ (clubs).”
On Fernandez specifically, he added: “He’s definitely coming on and getting better.
“Each game and training session, he is learning. He’s self-taught with English and that’s what we need – he needs to listen to make sure he is performing.
“He’s keeping a top international out of the team, at the moment in Robbie Brady. And he has got to keep those standards high.
“His performances have been excellent and long may that continue.”
The fact Fernandez has established himself as a regular starter would suggest Preston are keen to bring him back on board.
However, another loan wouldn’t make sense for Man Utd given he’d then be out of contract when the second spell expires.
A permanent move would make sense on paper, especially given Ten Hag already has an abundance of options at left-back.
The issue there would be whether Preston can match the type of figures United would command for a player who’s still highly rated and taking great strides forward in the second tier.
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