Manchester United signed Alejandro Garnacho and Álvaro Fernández from Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid respectively in 2020.
The duo were initially included in the Red Devils’ youth system and the forward went on to make his first team debut towards the end of last season.
Garnacho is now a part of Erik ten Hag’s squad while Manchester United sanctioned a loan move to Preston North End for the left-back last summer.
The 19-year-old has been a regular for the Championship side, making 29 appearances in all competitions this season.
AS interviewed the defender and when quizzed why he decided to join Preston on loan, he revealed Manchester United refused to let him return to Spain.
“I had good options for the Championship and some other league, but they recommended me to come here. Some came from Spain, but Manchester United remained firm. There were purchase options and they were not willing.”
The Spain U19 international was at Real Madrid’s academy for three years between 2017 and 2020. The Champions League winners wanted to retain him but were unable to do so because of Manchester United.
AS pointed this out and that’s when Fernández explained the reason for picking Manchester United over Real Madrid.
“What I wanted was to grow in football and United came with an incredible proposal. Thank God now I’m on loan in the second division, with a first-team record,” Fernández said.
“Start now with the subsidiary; something soon. I wanted to play with adults and at 19 years old, I am already playing in the second [division] in England.”
