Manchester United are poised to sanction the temporary departure of talented youngster Alvaro Fernandez.
The defender is heading out on a season-long loan to Championship side Preston North End. The 19-year-old has been tipped for a bright future after scooping United's reserve team Player of the Year award last season following his exploits for the under-23s. It is a prestigious gong that down the years has seen some famous names listed on it, including Nicky Butt and Darren Fletcher from years gone by and more recently by James Garner and Tahith Chong.
Fernandez only joined United from Real Madrid's academy in 2020 but has yet to make his senior debut. Having said that, he was an unused substitute in the final four Premier League games of last season as the side slumped to a below-par sixth-placed finish under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
The recent arrival of Tyrell Malacia has increased the options at left-back for new manager Erik ten Hag, with Luke Shaw, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams already on the books.
Fernandez was pictured in the stands watching North End during a recent friendly match at Deepdale against Leicester. He was also seen talking to manager Ryan Lowe. The Athletic say the Lilywhites have beaten off competition from Bundesliga clubs for the youngster's temporary signing.
Fernandez will now be hoping he can emulate the likes of Garner, who starred in the EFL last season. The midfielder played a vital role in Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. That stint has propelled him into the thoughts of Ten Hag ahead of a new era at Old Trafford.
Fernandez has clearly shown his credentials at under-23 level already, with academy head Nick Cox saying he has a bright future ahead of him. Speaking earlier this year after watching the youngster win the aforementioned award, Cox said: "Alvaro has been a standout performer from a really strong group of players within our under-23s team.
"We deliberately keep this age group young and that is certainly evidenced by the fact that Alvaro has won this award despite only turning 19 in March.
"Alvaro has developed a lot this season, playing an important role in Premier League 2, the Youth League, the EFL Trophy and also progressing with Spain’s under-19s.
"Alvaro has also been an excellent role model and support for his team-mates, displaying all of the characteristics that the academy want to see from our young players."
Earlier this week Preston completed another high-profile signing, with Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott signing on for the forthcoming season. Boss Lowe said of the Spurs loanee: "His work ethic is fantastic. His hold-up play is very good for the style he is, but ultimately we want Troy to score goals for us."
Preston begin the Championship season on Saturday away at Wigan.
