Manchester United went into the international break on a high with back-to-back wins in the Europa League and Premier League.
The club scored five goals without reply in this period and the onus will be on continuing the good form during the hectic festive schedule.
There will be a change of manager, with Ruud van Nistelrooy stepping down after his interim role.
Ruben Amorim will formally take charge after his working visa is approved, and he is expected to make a huge tactical change going forward.
The Portuguese has operated with a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 set-up in his managerial career. He has already hinted that he won’t be changing his system.
Amorim could be handed a small transfer kitty to bolster the squad in January, and O Jogo claims that Alvaro Fernandez is on United’s radar.
The 21-year-old joined Benfica on a permanent basis from United for £5 million last summer, having initially signed for the club on a short-term loan.
Fernandez has established himself as a key figure at left-back, but United have the option of re-signing him for £16.6m when the transfer window reopens.
Fernandez could be re-signed by United this winter
The Red Devils have had troubles at left-back for some time. Luke Shaw has played only 15 competitive matches for United since the beginning of last season.
Tyrell Malacia has not played a game since June last year due to a knee problem.
Both players have returned to team training after respective injuries, but United could look into the long-term with the acquisition of a young and promising star.
Fernandez did not get a chance to prove himself under manager Erik ten Hag, but his fortunes could change under Amorim who likes to work with emerging talents.
Goncalo Inacio, Ousmane Diomande and Geovany Quenda have excelled under his guidance at Sporting CP. All three of them have been linked with United.
Fernandez has vastly improved his distribution at Benfica. He has also impressed with his duel-winning ability, tackling and improved physical presence at left-back.
The Spaniard has also chipped in with two goals and two assists this term.
He could play on the left side of the back three or as a left wing-back under Amorim. He has a release clause worth £42m in his deal, but United’s buy-back clause is significantly lower.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
