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Manchester United Academy defender Alvaro Fernandez has thanked Preston North End for “an amazing season” at the end of his successful loan spell.
The 20-year-old left-back joined the Lilywhites last July and helped the Championship side to a comfortable 12th-place finish.
Alvaro featured for PNE 42 times across all competitions over the course of the season, impressing the Deepdale faithful and picking up six assists for Ryan Lowe’s side along the way.
He also secured their Young Player of the Year award, 12 months after being honoured as the Reds’ best performer at Under-21 level.
Speaking to PNE’s club media last week, Fernandez said: “It was a great season for me with great people around me.
“I enjoyed it a lot and I improved a lot. I just want to say thank you for everything, for everyone.
“I think I played 42 games and I never thought it was going to be like that.”
The young Spaniard’s standout games included those in which he notched assists at the expense of strong Championship sides such as Norwich City and Huddersfield Town, and the superb individual display against West Bromwich Albion that earned him the Man of the Match award.
“You never think it’s going to be like that in your first season in [senior] football because it’s a tough league with tough games,” Alvaro reflected.
“Every game is hard to play. You go to big stadiums for big games.”
In a further message of thanks posted on Instagram, Fernandez commented: “An amazing season with PNE has come to an end. I’ve learnt so much and made incredible memories here.
“To all of the staff and my team-mates, I want to say a massive thank you. The first loan is never easy but you made everything perfect for me and my family and helped me develop as a player so much.
“To each and every Preston fan who supported us throughout the season, I will never forget the support that you gave to me at Deepdale and across the country. To receive your votes to win Young Player of the Year means so much and I’ll never forget the bond that we have. It was a real honour to wear this shirt and represent this special club.”
After picking up valuable experience in the second tier, Fernandez will return to United this summer and look to make an impact in pre-season ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second campaign as manager.
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