Man United starlet set to leave Old Trafford after club produce U-Turn

Manchester United could see one of their talented academy graduates depart the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Reds have had a very successful week in the academy as the Under-18s have won both their league and the Premier League Cup final against Manchester City.

Ethan Wheatley also became the 250th academy graduate to appear for the first-team when he replaced Rasmus Højlund during the 4-2 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, there was also a recent landmark for one of United’s academy starlets on loan this week, with Alvaro Fernandez scoring his first professional goal during Benfica’s win over Farense on Monday evening.

“We always want to win, do our best and today we did well, and I’m happy for the team and the goal,” Fernandez said.

“I’m proud, I came here to help and do my best. I’ve been welcomed from the start. I just have to keep working. My teammates are doing their best to integrate me quickly.”

The young Spaniard brought down a long ball before expertly cutting inside and finishing low. It was only the second time since moving on loan that he had completed 90 minutes.

That came in the prior league game, with the United loanee receiving praise for his performance that night too.

Fernandez had troubles in Portugal after moving in January, with minimal opportunities despite Benfica having an option to buy him.

A report from TeamTALK last month stated that it was unlikely that Benfica would purchase the United loanee on a permanent deal.

However, fresh information from O Jogo states that Benfica’s idea is to now trigger the £5.1 million buy option, suggesting an interesting U-Turn from the club.

The report added that there are also several other clubs with interest in the left-back, and that even if he did not stay with Benfica, it is almost certain that his future is not at Old Trafford.