Alvaro Fernandez completes Benfica loan transfer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd ‘insert THREE clauses into contract’

11 months ago 54

ALVARO FERNANDEZ has completed a stunning loan move to Benfica.

And Manchester United have reportedly inserted THREE clauses into his contract.

United have inserted three clauses into the ex-Granada ace’s move[/caption]

Fernandez, 20, joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in 2020 and was tipped to become a future Old Trafford star.

Fernandez will feature for the European giants until the summer.

But if he plays in 50 per cent of his games as a starter, he will trigger a £5million clause to make the deal permanent.

Fabrizio Romano claims it’s just one of three clauses United have inserted into Fernandez’s loan switch.

The second allows them to re-sign Fernandez for a fixed figure should he blossom into a world-class defender.

And the third entitles the Red Devils to a hefty sell-on fee while also giving them the right to match successful bids from other clubs.

It means Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co are sure to keep a close eye on Fernandez over the next five months.

He never made a senior appearance for United, despite making the bench on several occasions.

Fernandez’s first loan away from Old Trafford saw him spend last season at Preston.

He clocked up 39 appearances in the Championship and was tipped to make an impact for Erik ten Hag.

But Fernandez instead joined Spanish side Granada and made 12 LaLiga appearances before being recalled last week.

Fernandez will now be hoping for success at Benfica, who stormed to last term’s Primeira Liga title.

The defending champs are currently second to Sporting Lisbon by one point.

Benfica already boast an ex-Man United player in Angel Di Maria, while former Man City ace Nicolas Otamendi captains them.

United hope to build good relations with Benfica amid reports they are interested in a mega-money deal for teen midfield superstar Joao Neves.