Man United loanee blasted by media for lack of “security” and “taking too long”

Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez has been blasted by Portuguese media in relation to his performances at Benfica this season.

In January, Alvaro Fernandez was sent on loan to Portuguese side Benfica following a lack of opportunities in the Manchester United first team despite the fact that both left backs ahead of him, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, had injuries.

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Fernandez has not had much of an impressive loan in Portugal, and he has now been blasted by local media for his performances since joining at the Estádio da Luz.

Local newspaper Correio da Manhã, via SportWitness, has ripped into Fernandez’s performances, which have not been giving Benfica any “security” when playing at left-back.

Talking further, the outlet also explained that the Spanish defender was taking “too long to convince” fans and the media around the club in the 10 appearances he had made.

It is, therefore, unlikely that his £5 million buy option will be triggered by Benfica come the end of the season. Although this buy option becomes mandatory if he plays 50% of the available minutes, it is unlikely that this is triggered either.

Out of the 10 appearances that Fernandez has made for the Portuguese club, just two of those have been starts.

United have been struggling with some of their loans this season, with youth players such as Hannibal Mejbri also having a torrid time at Sevilla.

Maxi Oyedele was also recalled from his loan at Forest Green Rovers after a lack of game-time. Many supporters questioned that move when it was made in January.