Why Alvaro Fernandez has not been recalled amid Manchester United’s injury crisis

Manchester United currently have all three of Erik ten Hag’s first-team left-backs unavailable for selection, with two of them being long-term injuries.

Luke Shaw has been out of action for around a month now and is not expected to return for at least another two more. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia has not played for United since the back end of last season after suffering injury before the pre-season tour.

Those two absences led to the club bringing in Sergio Reguilon on loan as an emergency left-back option on deadline day.

The Spaniard impressed during his first appearances but has since missed three games through injury. He could be back involved against Brentford, with the club reassessing his situation.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka also experiencing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injuries, it means Diogo Dalot is unable to cover at left-back either, as he is the only fit right-back.

Alvaro Fernandez left the club on loan to Granada on deadline day, after United ensured they got Reguilon on loan. He has made three appearances from the bench so far for the La Liga outfit.

Many supporters have suggested that recalling the highly rated 20-year-old would be the best decision due to the injury crisis at Old Trafford right now.

However, according to reports from Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News, United do not have an option to cut Fernandez’s loan short at this moment of time.

It was added, though, that there is a break clause in the deal to recall him in January if required.

By that time, if recovery goes to plan, Shaw would be back available and Fernandez would be unlikely to be needed.

The aforementioned report added that United have included these mid-season break clauses in a vast number of recent loan agreements so that they can reassess their success and make any alterations if required.