“I wasn’t familiar…” – Fans change stance on Man United starlet after ‘best’ performance

Manchester United have had little luck with their loans this season but one star has started to change opinions around his situation.

Alvaro Fernandez, also referred to as Carreras, moved to Benfica in the January transfer window after a difficult spell at La Liga side Granada, where he couldn’t break into the lineup.

There were arguments for the 21-year-old to return to United to compete for the left-back position considering the injury troubles around Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, especially after Sergio Reguilon’s loan was ended.

However, whilst Erik ten Hag’s side might have regretted not bringing the youngster back, with no fit left-back in their ranks currently, Fernandez also found difficulties in Portugal.

Before this weekend, the defender had not started a game in the league — with only two starts in the cup competitions, the last coming in February.

Yet, after being trusted to start in the absence of Fredrik Aursnes, who received a red card last time out against Sporting Lisbon, Fernandez showed the Benfica fans a stellar performance that seemed to change their minds about him.

Read More: Benfica boss reveals stance over Man Utd loanee Alvaro Fernandez’s future

Speaking after the first-half of the 3-0 win against Moreirense, one fan wrote: “These are Álvaro Carreras’ best 45 minutes at Benfica. He added depth and access to the area offensively, but it was through his physical modesty that he imposed himself on Kodisang. Light at the end of the tunnel, which has (not) been Benfica’s left side, because there is Aursnes.”

Another Benfica supporter proclaimed: Alvaro Carreras, I owe you an apology, I wasn’t really familiar with your game.”

A third offered an interesting assessment, saying: “Álvaro Carreras has top offensive potential. Go outside or inside and alternate combinations/tables with incursions, opening the pass (arguments on the dribble too). Defensively and physically (without agility), he will have to grow to be complete.”

Finally, a fourth fan believes the United loanee now has to start for Rodger Schmidt’s side. “In my opinion, Álvaro Carreras played a good game today He has to be a starter,” they wrote.

Benfica have the option to buy the United youngster, but there were earlier doubts over whether they would trigger this clause due to the lack of football he received.

Now, Fernandez has a chance to impress more before the end of the season and force Benfica to really consider their decision.