'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Alvaro Fernandez is reportedly closing in on a move from Manchester United to Primeira Liga giants Benfica. The Red Devils' decision to sell the Spanish left-back has been met with fury from fans on social media.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Benfica are close to sealing a deal for the Spain U21 international. He's already agreed personal terms with Roger Schmidt's side ahead of the transfer being finalized.
Fernandez is reportedly joining As Aguias in a €10 million deal after failing to make a single senior appearance for Manchester United. He appeared 47 times across competitions for the club's U21s, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists.
However, Romano claimed that the deal could be sorted in a different formula. A potential loan move is a possibility for the full-back.
The Red Devils academy graduate has been on loan at La Liga side Granada this season. He's been given game time at El Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes, making 14 appearances across competitions.
Ten Hag appeared not to trust Fernandez despite giving him a run in the first team during pre-season. The Spaniard felt that the Manchester United boss had little faith in him leading to his move to La Liga (via One Football):
"What message did United give me? That I should go out on loan, that Ten Hag didn’t count on me, that I should continue to gain experience, rhythm, and we’ll see what happens in the future."
It's fair to say that Fernandez's impending move to Benfica hasn't sat well with the Old Trafford faithful. One fan questioned the involvement of INEOS following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as co-owner:
"INEOS what are you doing?"
Another fan took aim at Ten Hag:
"Just when I thought I couldn't hate Ten Hag more."
Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Fernandez nearing the Old Trafford exit door:
Manchester United are reportedly attempting to sign Leeds United's rising star Archie Gray
Ten Hag has received criticism for his handling of Manchester United's youth system. Fernandez looks set to depart, following the likes of Zidane Iqbal, 20, and Teden Mengi, 21, who the Dutch coach was happy to offload.
However, it appears the Red Devils could be set to bolster their squad with the addition of one of English football's brightest talents. Leeds United's Archie Gray is seemingly on the Premier League giants' radar.
Football Transfers reports that Manchester United are looking to swoop for Gray with INEOS believing he possesses the blueprint for the future of the club. He's been shining in the EFL Championship with the Peacocks, providing one assist in 27 games across competitions.
Gray, 17, is a defensive midfielder who can also play in central midfield and at right-back. He's earned one cap for England's U20s and his stock continues to grow at Elland Road.
However, Manchester United could run into a stumbling block in their attempts to sign Gray. He is the son of former Leeds striker Andy Gray and his allegiance to his current side could hinder the move due to their heated rivalry with the Red Devils.
