Alvaro Fernandez ‘wants to know’ if Rúben Amorim will sign him amid Barcelona transfer interest

According to a new report, Alvaro Fernandez is keen to know if Rúben Amorim wants to sign him this month amid transfer interest from Barcelona.

Manchester United are aiming to sign a new left wing-back for Rúben Amorim in the January transfer window, as defensive frailties continue to undermine the team’s progress.

Under Amorim’s management, United have struggled defensively, with set-piece vulnerabilities becoming a recurring concern. Addressing the left-back position has been identified as a key priority.

Luke Shaw, United’s long-standing left-back, has been plagued by injuries since his double leg fracture during a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Tyrell Malacia, Shaw’s backup, has also faced challenges, recently returning after a gruelling 17-month recovery from a severe knee injury that required multiple surgeries.

In the meantime, Diogo Dalot has been deployed on the left, but Amorim has admitted that the Portuguese defender is better suited to his natural position on the right-hand side of the defence.

Fernandez wants to know Amorim’s transfer stance

According to a whole host of recent reports, United are eyeing the signing of Lecce star Patrick Dorgu this month, and after having a £23 million bid rejected, they are now reading a second proposal.

However, other reports have stated that United are not just interested in Dorgu but are keeping tabs on former Red Alvaro Fernandez, currently at Benfica, after leaving Old Trafford in January 2024.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola via Sport Witness, Fernandez and his family are now seeking clarity if Amorim wants to sign the Spanish left-back amid transfer interest from Barcelona.

Benfica installed a £42 million release clause in the 21-year-old’s contract and are not worried about losing him this month to Spanish sides.

However, United’s agreement with the Liga Portugal side means they have a buy-back option set at around £17 million they can exercise at any time before 2026.

Amorim needs to make a decision quickly

For each game that goes by without United having a first-choice left wing-back available, the club are suffering.

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Despite the positive performances against Liverpool and Arsenal earlier this month, the games against Southampton and Brighton have exposed United defensively on a number of occasions, while the lack of creativity in the attacking third from Dalot has caused frustration.

United need a left-footed player on their left flank, as it would give Amorim much more tactical flexibility and another attacking outlet.

Lecce are demanding £34 million for Dorgu, and although Fernandez’s signing is the cheaper option at around £17 million, Amorim just needs to make a decision and secure one of the players as soon as possible as no matter which one he would rather have, both would upgrade the squad.

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