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Transfer News: Ex-Red Devils coach eyeing loan move for 18-year-old Man United defender

Preston duo hail Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez.
Preston duo hail Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Transfer News: Manchester United youngster Alvaro Fernandez being eyed by Ipswich Town

According to transfer news on Football Insider (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ipswich Town are lining up a move for Manchester United ace Alvaro Fernandez

The 18-year-old switched clubs last year as he left his home country and 13-time European champions Real Madrid to join the Carrington academy. He has since flourished at the youth level, making multiple appearances in the UEFA U-19 team and the U-18 side.

His most recent exploits, however, have been in the U-23 side, where he has made 35 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing seven assists in the process. The left-back is on the fringes of first-team football but is yet to make his competitive debut for the senior set-up.

Ipswich Town are interested in signing Alvaro Fernandez.
Ipswich Town are interested in signing Alvaro Fernandez. (imago Images)

But the Spaniard is now being targeted by Ipswich Town. The third tier English side is being managed by former Man United coach Kieran McKenna, who knows all about the youngster and his high potential. 

Fernandez needs first-team minutes

The former Real Madrid ace has gone from strength to strength in the last 18 months. His progress has been sound, but it is now time for him to take the next step. A loan deal often helps the development of youngsters, even more so when they already know their potential future coach. 

McKenna joined our academy set-up in 2016 before forming part of the backroom staff under Jose Mourinho. After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived, the Northern Irishman became the assistant first-team coach. Thus, he has good knowledge of the amount of talent we possess in the ranks.

Alvaro Fernandez has impressed with the Manchester United U-23s this season.
Alvaro Fernandez has impressed with the Manchester United U-23s this season. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Moreover, Teden Mengi, Axel Tuanzebe, Amad Diallo, James Garner, and Anthony Elanga have already secured loan deals or are in the midst of doing so. Fernandez could do the same and return to Old Trafford in the summer and make a case to play a part in the senior team.

More Manchester United News

Luke Shaw shall turn 27 this year but only has 18 months on his deal. There have been talks of an extension but he is yet to pen a new deal. If the Englishman does experience a dip in form, the U-19 Spanish international could start pushing for a first-team spot soon. However, it is vital for him to seal a loan deal initially and get some much-needed minutes under his belt.

With McKenna now managing the Tractor Boys, we can rest assured that Gonzalez would receive fair treatment over there. Consistent game time is important for any young player, and if he gets that at Ipswich, then there is no reason why this move should not get the green light from our side.

Written by Varun Pai

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