Alvaro Fernandez breaks silence on Man Utd return as buy-back clause confirmed

Benfica's rising star Alvaro Fernandez, who was once a part of academy, has been making waves in Lisbon since his £5 million switch from Old Trafford last season.

The 21-year-old defender has been linked with a return to United after boss expressed interest, and the club possess a number of options: a buy-back option believed to be around £16 million, matching rights, and a sell-on clause for future profits.

Despite Benfica's recent 3-1 setback against Feyenoord, Fernandez's focus remains unwavering as he downplayed the rumour mill. Speaking to Portuguese outlet , he stated: "I only think about Benfica. I'm only focused here. I'll try to keep up the same level, try to help the team as much as possible. I'm just another player on the team."

Addressing the defeat, he added: "Not scoring, that's really important to win. We had everything well planned. We weren't surprised by Feyenoord. We knew how they played, quick counter-attacks, but like I said, let's think about the future, the next game, which is on Sunday."

While Fernandez's Benfica contract reportedly includes a hefty £42 million release clause, United could potentially re-sign their former player at a significantly lower price due to their current predicament with left-back options.

The young Spanish talent couldn't secure a spot in United's first team despite impressive loan spells at Preston North End and Granada. Yet, Ten Hag has recently confirmed the club's interest in re-signing the player using their buy-back option.

"I think the process is perfect," the Dutchman said. "We loan him to Preston, he got back, then we loan him to Granada, he didn't play so much there, and of course we, all the time, observed him and now we had the opportunity to sell him.

"But we have a buy-back [clause] so we have control of the situation, I think that's what he needed. From Preston, then go to La Liga, go to Portugal [with Benfica], every time stepping up to a higher club and a better league.

"Now we have to see and assess the situation if he can be an option for us. But playing at Man United is not so easy, playing in the Premier League for Manchester United is not so easy. You need experience, also development. You get development from playing for better clubs and in better leagues."