By Pranav Shahaney

10th Oct, 2022 | 9:00pm

View: Alvaro Fernandez form on loan proves he could be ready to replace Luke Shaw at Manchester United

Manchester United may have a readymade Luke Shaw replacement in Alvaro Fernandez who has been shining out on loan at Preston North End.

The 19-year-old was one of the best players at the weekend as he played an inch-perfect cross to set up Emil Riis’s goal en route to a 3-2 win against Norwich City.

He’s played in nine of the 13 games for the Championship club and has undoubtedly been one of their most consistent performers.

The Argentine was understood to be very close to making his first-team debut under Ralf Rangnick last season but did not end up getting the chance.

He looked like he probably would this season after Alex Telles was leaving on loan, but Tyrell Malacia’s signing pushed him down the pecking order again.

Malacia now appears to be the first choice for Erik ten Hag with Shaw being the backup option.

However, it’s clear that the Dutchman likes attacking full-backs and the England international no longer poses the same threat going forward.

He may be a decent crosser, but has slowed down considerably over the years and is caught out of position if his side are hit on a quick counter.

Fernandez possesses that kind of pace where he can cover up quickly and if United dominate possession, he will see most of his touches in the final third and there will be a counter press as soon as they lose the ball.

Shaw’s days at the club could very well be numbered if the hierarchy allows ten Hag to chop and change the players at his will.

In other Manchester United news, £85million-rated Antony is a huge risk for the Red Devils, says scouting expert