Former Manchester United winger Ben Thornley feels Alvaro Fernandez has a future at Old Trafford.

Fernandez is with United's preseason tour squad in the US having spent last season on-loan with Preston.

"I was impressed with the season that he had at Preston last term," Thornley told manutd.com. "And I think that is what he needed because he was excelling at Under-21s level and he just needed that little step up of a challenge.

"And I think he took it with aplomb. Last season, I thought he was really good and, you know, he's started ahead of Brandon Williams in Oslo and again on Wednesday.

"So it just shows what the manager's thinking is. We know Alvaro is in a difficult position with Luke Shaw ahead of him but, listen, that's what you need to set yourself as a young player, as a challenge to dislodge these players and keep performing at a high level where the manager can't ignore you.

"I'm really, really confident that, you know, if the chance doesn't arise for him at Manchester United, he will still play at a very high level of things," admitted the former Class of '92 member. "An intelligent footballer, as a left-footed left-back, he gives the team balance and he can score his fair share of goals as well.

"So yeah, I really enjoy watching him and I'm glad he's been given the chance. Of course, an injury [like the one for Malacia] can open the door. I mean nobody wishes an injury on anybody but, sometimes, that is the time when you do get your chance and opportunity.

"I know that Fernandez doesn't want any of his team-mates to get hurt but, when it happens to be in your position, you just have to take it because you know, at the end of the day, football is a cut-throat business. And being on the pitch, he's no different. You have to grab your chance when it comes along, no matter how that chance does come along."