The Red Devils are revamping their roster as Erik ten Hag aims to mold the team to his preferences.
The outfit secured the services of a specialized full-back in Tyrell Malacia earlier this year, and presently Ten Hag has his two playmakers set with Antony and Marcus Rashford playing inside for a 4-2-2-2 design.
Integrating these two talents into the starting lineup will likely result in team captain Harry Maguire moving further back into the defensive line, presenting a fresh selection dilemma.
Erik ten Hag looks towards Ajax for support for Maguire
Although Fernandes excels at creating opportunities and converting them into goals, his ability to maintain possession under duress and in limited spaces is not his primary strength. Furthermore, the more defensively oriented aspects of the game are not particularly his forte.
These defensive shortcomings could become more apparent if he is required to play in a more withdrawn role. Therefore, Fernandes would benefit from having a more assertive, versatile, and physically robust presence alongside him.
In their quest to fulfill this requirement, sources from Italy report that the Red Devils have put forward a €40m offer for midfielder Edson Alvarez, a former player under Ten Hag before the manager’s move to Man United.
Juventus also have their eye on the Mexican International, but they need to sell before they can spend big money.
Alvarez reportedly has an €80m release clause in his contract, but Ajax are rumoured to be willing to discuss a deal at around the €50m price point.
Alvarez might have found it tougher in the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, however, due to his support for Club America. The Mexican international has the the club’s badge tattooed on his chest.
In FourFourTwo’s opinion, Alvarez is precisely the type of player United require if they intend to utilize Fernandes in a more withdrawn midfield role, especially considering the lingering doubts about the suitability of Christian Eriksen.
If the Manchester club successfully secures the services of the Mexican and brings in a new centre forward, Ten Hag should, in theory, possess the necessary resources to achieve substantial improvements compared to the previous season.
The tattoo might draw some unwelcome attention, especially if Alvarez were to deliver a subpar performance in a hypothetical match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alvarez has a value of €40m, according to Transfermarkt.
