Alvaro Fernandez has previously made it clear that his ambition was to establish himself at amid growing speculation about a potential return. The Benfica left-back departed permanently in the summer following loan spells at Preston North End, Granada and the Portuguese giants.
United sanctioned his £5million exit, hoping and Tyrell Malacia would overcome the injury woes that derailed their 2023/24 seasons.
However, neither player has been available across the opening 11 games this term, intensifying the calls for Ten Hag to address the position.
Harry Amass is among the country's most exciting full-back prospects, if not at the top of the list, but aged 17, United consider his development best served at youth level for now.
It has prompted Ten Hag to call on Diogo Dalot to cover at left-back, with £17m summer arrival Noussair Mazraoui instantly inheriting a regular residency on the right.
But with Mazraoui now facing a few weeks on the sidelines, United's left-back options are thread-bare ahead of a critical run of fixtures for their manager.
According to , United are considering triggering the buy-back clause they included in Fernandez's Benfica contract in January, worth around £17m.
However, it's emerged that the club only have until 2026 to trigger it should they decide to finally pull the trigger on Fernandez.
The 21-year-old has shone in Lisbon, featuring in all nine of Benfica's games this season and starting the last seven.
He was named Player of the Match in the 4-0 demolition job of Atletico Madrid, further upgrading his stock and fuelling Manchester return talk.
Fernandez may well be open to the idea based on his comments in December ahead of cutting his loan stint at Granada short to join Benfica.
The Spain U21 international represented United at youth level 62 times but didn't make his competitive senior debut.
He appeared keen to correct that, claiming he was ambitious to return to Old Trafford and cement himself as a regular starter.
"What message did United give me? That I should go out on loan, that Ten Hag didn't count on me, that I should continue to gain experience, rhythm, and we'll see what happens in the future," Fernandez told .
"But it's clear that football doesn't end at any club and that you have to keep working.
"My main objective is to return to United and make a place for myself there."
Plans could already be set in motion to accommodate Fernandez's comeback, especially if Shaw and Malacia's absence continues to inflict damage.
