United could be forced to swoop for rising sensation in January to beat off competition from Liverpool – report

Manchester United have been playing without a specialist left-back for the best part of two seasons and it is clear that a solution is needed moving forward.

First-choice left-back Luke Shaw missed over 30 games last season while Tyrell Malacia missed the whole campaign. The England international is still sidelined while the Netherlands star is inching closer to his return.

So far this season, both right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have taken turns in playing there while centre-back Lisandro Martinez has also deputised there.

Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy both opted against throwing academy sensation Harry Amass into the deep end and his time might not even come if a recent report is to be believed.

LB needed

The Red Devils might not need a traditional left-back any longer with new head coach Ruben Amorim’s system incorporating the use of wing-backs instead.

And former United academy star Alvaro Fernandez, sold by the former Dutch manager, has been in impressive form for Benfica this season.

The Spaniard is a regular for the Portuguese giants, starting in all but two games this season, while netting twice and registering as many assists.

And Amorim knows all about the 21-year-old from his time at Sporting Lisbon and is contemplating a future approach for the Spain U21 international as per Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness).

Alvaro return

However, Liverpool’s “real” interest in the former United youngster has complicated matters and could force the 20-time English league champions to exercise their buyback clause as early as January.

Benfica have slapped a release clause of €50 million in the Spaniard’s contract but the Merseyside are prepared to pay that and thus, the Red Devils could be forced to pay €20 million to win the race.

Fernandez’ “potential is impressing Europe” with Real Madrid also reportedly in the race.And as time passes, his list of suitors will only increase.

Amorim feels he has the attributes to fit into his style and a January approach could be on the cards if INEOS can cough up the required money.

Feature image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images