In recent seasons, Manchester United have worked hard to bolster their squad, aiming to reclaim their position among the Premier League’s elite. After several years of underwhelming performances and finishes outside the top four, United fans are eager to see a return to success. However, following a disappointing start to the current campaign, the club made a significant managerial shift by dismissing Erik ten Hag and bringing in Ruben Amorim to tackle the challenging rebuild.
Amorim’s arrival provides an opportunity to develop United’s talented young players, such as Amad Diallo, and to reintroduce former protégé Manuel Ugarte, who had previously worked with Amorim at Sporting CP. However, Amorim won’t have the chance to work with every former United player. Among those recently departed, one stands out as a significant loss—a player who could have flourished in Amorim’s system.
Scott McTominay’s Move to Italy: Leaving a Void in Midfield?
Scott McTominay, a product of United’s academy, enjoyed a solid first-team career at Old Trafford, amassing 255 appearances and scoring 29 goals since his debut in January 2017. However, this summer, the Scottish international joined Serie A club Napoli in a £25 million transfer. Although McTominay’s departure opened the door for Ugarte’s arrival, his impressive early-season form under Napoli’s Antonio Conte has raised questions about whether United acted too hastily in offloading him.
McTominay has continued his knack for finding the net, with three goals and one assist in his first ten games with Napoli. Despite his impressive contributions, there is another former United talent who might now be more sorely missed—one whose recent development could have perfectly suited Amorim’s tactical approach.
The Real Loss: Alvaro Fernandez, a Rising Star
United initially brought in Alvaro Fernandez from Real Madrid’s youth system when he was just 17, placing him in their academy to hone his skills. After a successful loan spell at Preston North End during the 2022/23 season, where he made 42 appearances and earned Young Player of the Season honors, Fernandez continued his development with loans to Granada and Benfica. This past summer, United agreed to a permanent move to Benfica for £5 million, though they retained a 50% sell-on clause and a buy-back option.
Since his transfer, Fernandez has been thriving in Portugal, making 17 appearances across all competitions and contributing two goals and two assists in his last five matches. At just 21, Fernandez has evolved into a dynamic left-back who can play a significant role on both ends of the field. Talent scout Jacek Kulig even referred to him as a “monster,” highlighting his relentless energy and offensive prowess, which would fit seamlessly into Amorim’s wing-back-heavy formation.
Fernandez’s 2024/25 season stats are equally impressive: he averages 6.9 progressive passes and 2.9 progressive carries per game while maintaining a strong defensive presence with 2.4 tackles won per 90 minutes. His versatility and attacking mindset would have offered Amorim an ideal option on the left flank, particularly as United contend with injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
United’s Depth in Midfield vs. Need for a Quality Left-Back
United currently have depth in midfield, with players like Ugarte, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Christian Eriksen in their ranks, which may have made McTominay’s exit a more strategic decision. However, on the left side of defense, United’s options remain limited. Fernandez’s departure, particularly given his recent performances, may ultimately prove more costly than McTominay’s.
While United’s buy-back option provides some hope of bringing Fernandez back, his recent progress shows that his presence could have been invaluable in Amorim’s system right now. If Fernandez continues his rapid development, Amorim and United may come to wish the promising Spanish full-back had remained at Old Trafford, where he could have been a key piece in the club’s pursuit of a brighter future.
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