Manchester United may have a decision to make on one of their former stars before the January transfer window closes.

United have until February 3 to complete their transfer business. Several players have already been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen if any new signings are made before the deadline.

Left-back has been an area of the squad deemed to be a priority for strengthening during the January transfer window. Ruben Amorim currently has Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as the recognised left-back options in the squad, with Diogo Dalot often performing in the role.

Lecce's Patrick Dorgu and Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez have been identified as targets for United this month. One player who may be of interest to United is one who only left the club less than 12 months ago.

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Alvaro Fernandez left United last summer to complete a permanent move to Benfica in a deal that could reach up to €9million (£7.6million), including add-ons. The left-back initially joined Benfica on loan last January before the move was made permanent at the end of last season.

United included a buy-back clause in the deal, which remains active until the summer of 2026. It remains unclear what fee United would need to pay, but based on Fernandez's recent performance, it may be worth considering an Old Trafford return for the left-back.

Fernandez starred for Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night despite being on the receiving end of a 5-4 defeat. The 21-year-old provided the assist for Vangelis Pavlidis' opening goal in the loss to the Spanish club and impressed in the left-back role at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

Fernandez has previously spoke about the reason why he sent out on loan by United during his brief career at Old Trafford. The left-back did not make a senior appearance for the Reds, having had spells on loan at Preston North End and Granada, before signing for Benfica.

"What message did United give me? That I should go out on loan, that [Erik] 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 The Athletic back in December 2023.

"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."