Manchester United and exciting young talent go hand in hand, and the next starlet could be about to come off their illustrious production line.

Alvaro Fernandez signed for the Red Devils as a free agent back in September 2020 after deciding to depart boyhood club Real Madrid, adding to an already exciting youth setup.

The left-back made an instant impression after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal, scoring a stunning strike on his debut for the U18s.

His eye-catching display in the 5-1 thrashing against Burnley earned him an immediate promotion to the U23s, and Fernandez went on to score a total of three goals and provide a further six assists in 30 appearances for the academy sides last term.

Following the 18-year-old's decision to depart his homeland in search of regular football, Fernandez's former coaches at Madrid were open about how the 6 foot 1 youngster would suit the English game.

One coaching source told Spanish outlet AS (via TribalFootball): “Álvaro is a footballer with a great future who has been hurt by having Miguel Gutiérrez in front of him.

“But the conditions for him to do well in England, he has them, his pace and his centres will be appreciated there.”

With Luke Shaw currently dominating the left-back spot at this moment in time, Ole Gunnar Solsjaer may be keen to acquire some extra competition for the England international over the next couple of years.

Alex Telles looks incapable of shifting the stocky defender, and therefore, Fernandez's presence in the first-team could be the ideal solution.

An outstanding display from the teenager against Brighton and Hove Albion back in November 2020 led to former United trainee Paul McShane telling MUTV that he was quite taken by Fernandez’s showing.

“He looks very good, tidy with his feet. When he steps into midfield areas he stays there, he can act as the extra midfielder. He was very comfortable and very impressive,” McShane said.

As a result, Solskjaer may be tempted to bring Fernandez into one of his matchday squads as the season progresses, adding pressure for Shaw to improve his performances while giving the youngster a taste of the senior setup.

It's surely only a matter of time, though, until the ex-Madrid ace gets his big break, and everyone associated with United will be eagerly anticipating that day.

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