Real Madrid and Barcelona want to sign star Man Utd ‘sold for peanuts’ five months ago

Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in recruiting former Manchester United sensation Alvaro Fernandez, although the Premier League giants are also considering bringing him back to Old Trafford.

Fernandez joined United at the age of 16, going through the junior systems before excelling on loan with Preston in the Championship during the 2022-23 season.

Despite his good performances, he did not earn his senior debut for the club. He joined Benfica on loan in January and made the move permanent in the summer, signing a five-year contract with the Portuguese giants for a relatively small cost of £5 million.

Fernandez has established himself as a starter for Benfica this season, and he had an outstanding performance in the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

That performance made United supporters regret their choice to trade him for ‘peanuts’, especially because left-back is still a problem area with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have taken note of the 21-year-old’s performances, and the Spanish clubs are actively tracking his growth, according to O Jogo.

United are also keeping an eye on the player they allowed depart the club only five months ago. The contract that sent him to Lisbon includes a repurchase provision, which United might choose to trigger if he continues to impress in Portugal.

Atletico Madrid remains interested in the left-back, and according to rumors in Italy, Juventus is also keeping an eye on the issue.

Fernandez has played 90 minutes in seven consecutive Benfica games, during which his team has gone unbeaten, surrendering only one point.

His consistency in that position comes as United continues to struggle at left-back. Diogo Dalot has stepped in on that side this season as Shaw and Malacia are still sidelined. Shaw is rehabilitating from a calf ailment, and while there is hope that he will be back this month, Erik ten Hag has been hesitant to provide a specific date for his comeback.

Malacia hasn’t played since May 2023 due to a long-term knee ailment.

United’s problems in that area have only gotten worse, with Noussair Mazraoui due to remain out for the rest of the month following a minor cardiac treatment.

His absence may prompt Erik ten Hag to play Victor Lindelof at right back. Another alternative is to switch Dalot back to his natural position and play Lisandro Martinez at left-back.