Ruben Amorim might've already identified his first Manchester United signing with the Portuguese boss reportedly a big fan of Benfica full-back Alvaro Fernandez.
The 21-year-old has previously been on United's books, having joined the club as a teenager in 2020.
Fernandez didn't make a senior appearance for the Red Devils, with the majority of his time contracted to United spent out on loan elsewhere.
He enjoyed successful loan spells with Preston North End, Granada and most recently Benfica, who made the move permanent in the summer, exercising a £5million release clause.
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But, according to GiveMeSport, Fernandez could be about to make an immediate return to Old Trafford, as his former club are rumoured to be interested in triggering the left-back's buyback clause.
Left-back is one of the areas incoming boss Amorim will have to fix if United are to be successful, with both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw having been plagued by injury issues.
Malacia hasn't been seen in a United shirt for over a year, while Shaw's last appearance of any kind came in the Euro 2024 final for England against Spain.
If they did pursue a return for Fernandez, it would mean United are forced to take a small hit on the Spaniard, with his buyback clause said to be in the region of £16.7m.
However, he's a player Amorim is said to be a fan of, having had a close-up look while in charge of Benfica's cross-city rivals Sporting.
And if the Spain under-21 international continues to catch the eye in the Portuguese league, it won't be long before one of United's European rivals come along and sign him instead.
The dynamic defender does fit the profile of player United have targeted under their new-look INEOS ownership, with Fernandez not only a cheaper option, but also a player with their best years ahead of them.
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Although, Amorim will have to wait before he can offer any insight on potential United transfers, given the 39-year-old won't be taking charge until next month.
As part of the £8.3m deal to bring Amorim to Old Trafford, the tactician has had to adhere to the notice period in his contract, which takes him through to the November international break.
It means one of Amorim's final games in charge of the reigning Portuguese champions is against United's rivals Manchester City, with the two going head-to-head next week.
Amorim's first match as United boss is away to Ipswich Town, before a doubleheader at Old Trafford against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and then Everton in the Premier League.
