01 December 2023 , 23:03
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Alvaro Fernandez has opened up about his Manchester United future, outlining his hopes of establishing himself as a first-team regular.
Fernandez joined United's youth setup from Real Madrid in 2020 and spent last season on loan in the Championship with Preston North End. The 20-year-old was hopeful that first-team opportunities at Old Trafford would follow, particularly after fellow left-backs Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw picked up injuries.
However, United ended up bringing in Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham as cover and Fernandez was shipped out on loan to Granada on transfer deadline day after manager Erik ten Hag told him he was not part of his plans.
"I sat down to talk but as Gines (Carvajal, Fernandez's agent) was at a distance, it was a bit more complicated," Fernandez said in an interview with The Athletic. "In the end, it was done at the last minute.
"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.
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"But it's clear that football doesn't end at any club and that you have to keep working. My main objective is to return to United and make a place for myself there."
Fernandez's contract is due to expire in 2025 and, although the defender insists he wants to remain at Old Trafford, he did leave the door open to a potential departure. "We'll see the situation… you know how football goes, it goes day by day," he admitted.
Fernandez spent last season on loan at Preston and is now on loan at Granada (CameraSport via Getty Images)"I have two years left in Manchester and for now I'm thinking mainly about Granada. When I have to talk in the summer, or at Christmas, you never know… we'll see what happens. My objective is Manchester, of course, but it's such a crazy game that maybe next year I'll be in Germany or Italy or Spain. You never know."
Fernandez has made 10 appearances for Granada across all competitions so far this season, but the club have only picked up one La Liga win and currently sit second bottom with just seven points.
They are set to return to action on Saturday when they take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, with Carlo Ancelotti's side currently top of the league thanks to a superior goal difference over Girona.