Williams, Fernandez, Greenwood – How Manchester United loanees are getting on so far this season
Man United’s loanees are being tried and tested at their clubs, with some faring better than others.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Manchester United have sent a handful of players out on loan this season to continue their development by playing first-team football.
Some have been around the first-team at Old Trafford before but others are still learning their paces ahead of a hopeful future break. Several players are enjoying fruitful spells away, although some Reds colleagues are not having the smoothest rides so far.
United sent out a hoard of loanees last year but just five have secured temporary exits this time around. MEN Sport takes a look at how each talent is faring at their respective clubs as the season reaches its second international break.
Brandon Williams
The left-back made just one appearance for United last season and the surprise this summer was that his exit was a loan rather than a permanent departure. That said, he’s having a fantastic time at Ipswich Town under former United coach Kieran McKenna.
He has made ten appearances so far, which include five starts. He scored his first goal at Portman Road last time out, going on a driving run from inside his own half to fire home against Preston.
That was not his first goal though, having found the net against Huddersfield last month. Interestingly, he has been played at right-back mostly, although has featured on the other flank on four occasions too. Of his five starts, three have come in the Championship.
Alvaro Fernandez
What happened in Manchester United behind-closed-doors friendly vs Barnsley
‘Let’s go’ – David de Gea makes Manchester United return following summer departure
David de Gea sends Manchester United fans wild with Instagram story
The full-back had an encouraging spell at Preston last season but current loan club Granada are having a tough time in La Liga. They are second bottom while Fernandez has not tasted victory in any of his four appearances.
That said, Fernandez was entrusted with a start – his first – in the recent 2-2 draw with Barcelona before being withdrawn just shy of the hour-mark.
Mason Greenwood
Greenwood scored his first goal for Getafe last time out against Celta Vigo. He has made two goal contributions in total from his starts having also provided an assist against Athletic Bilbao last month.
Will Fish
The defender has played the most out of any United loanee so far, amassing 15 matches already for Hibernian after the club went through Europa Conference League qualifying. Fish featured in both legs of Hibs’ 8-0 aggregate loss to Aston Villa, which counts for two of his 13 starts this season.
He has helped his team keep three clean sheets having played every single minute of Hibernian’s eight Scottish Premiership matches so far. Only two wins have been achieved in the competition, though.
Charlie McNeill
The striker scored on debut for Stevenage but has made just two further appearances for the League One club. He was left out of two matchday squads before returning to the bench against Wigan on Saturday.
However, he was nowhere to be seen in the EFL Trophy clash with Wycombe on Tuesday. The club have not declared him injured but his exclusion is puzzling. He has not played since September 23.