“I want to win” - Benfica star Alvaro Fernandez speaks about Manchester United return with Red Devils still holding buy-back option

Benfica full-back Alvaro Fernandez is happy at the Portuguese club amid reports of interest from his former side Manchester United. The young left-back was allowed to leave for Benfica this summer for £5 million after his short loan spell with the Portuguese side.

Speaking to MARCA, Fernandez stated he was not paying attention to rumors as he had signed a five-year contract with the Portuguese giants. The former Manchester United defender said:

"I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more. To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it. I’m focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days. It’s always nice to have teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here.

"United have a signed purchase option, but I’m very happy here. I have a five-year contract with Benfica. I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow."

Interestingly, United had reportedly inserted a £16.7m (€20m) buy-back clause in his Benfica contract (via GOAL).

Alvaro Fernandez never played for Manchester United first team. He played 47 times for their U21 side in England and 42 games for Preston North End on loan.

Alvaro Fernandez on training with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United

Alvaro Fernandez admitted that he was pleasantly surprised to train alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. He claimed that Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani also left him motivated.

He told MARCA:

"When I was 17 or 18, and I was in Manchester training with Cristiano, Rashford, or Cavani, you said: 'Wow.' But in the end you go out on the pitch and we're all people. We all have to tighten. In the end it's one ball and eleven players. The truth is that it is very good. The mentality they have is to carry it out. Di María won everything, he has nothing left to win and he continues to give it a go. He goes out to train and leaves everything on the pitch. It's amazing."

Apart from Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be keeping tabs on Alvaro Fernandez. The 21-year-old has done well for Benfica and has scored thrice in 32 games so far.