Man Utd's players might be hoping that their poor season comes to an early end after their team lost again last weekend. Luke Shaw might already have that happen.

In a couple of weeks, Shaw will have metal bolts removed from his leg. There is already talk that his season might be over so he can best handle his rehabilitation and not play too soon.

When Shaw had surgery in 2015, the bolts were put in after he broke both of his legs against PSV Eindhoven. During the 1-1 draw with Leicester earlier this month, he was bothered by the injury. Shaw is set to miss the games against Norwich, Liverpool, and Arsenal because he didn't play at Goodison Park last week.

Last Saturday, Diogo Dalot was benched in favor of Alex Telles, who started on Merseyside because of his versatility as a defender who can play on either the left or right flank.

Manchester United may be ready to give a younger player a chance despite the certainty that Brazil international Shaw will remain in the starting XI while he recovers from a knee injury.

Ralf Rangnick is unlikely to give up on Manchester United's Champions League ambitions until they are mathematically eliminated, but there is a strong case for making an exception at left-back.

Alvaro Fernandez of Man United.

A full-back like Alvaro Fernandez deserves praise for continuing to flourish in his defensive duty despite the overhyped goal gluts and skill moves that go viral on social media at young level.

It took a while for the 19-year-old to get used to the high level of defensive duty he was given when he was signed from Real Madrid two summers ago. While his offensive prowess is undeniable, those who have followed the Spanish teenager this season have seen how vulnerable he can be defensively, often getting caught out by his own positioning.

After growing up idolizing Real Madrid legend Marcelo, Fernandez has learned to balance his aggressiveness with a keen sense of when to hold back and make advances farther up the pitch.

Fernandez is ready to move on from his four-year deal he signed back in 2020, and has already received loan bids during the January window. Neil Wood's U23 side relied heavily on him from the left side of the pitch this season, and he has continued his upward trajectory. Soon, he may be rewarded with his first appearance in a senior matchday roster.

As of now, the 17-year-old Spaniard is one of the finest prospects to make his debut this calendar year, despite the fact that he hasn't been training with the first squad for some time.

Even while they can't ignore the hype that surrounds Fernandez right now, United are determined to lessen the burden on Fernandez in order to continue their cultivation of his skill.

Progress must be made if he is ever to make the transition to the senior team. It would be an excellent opportunity for him to learn about the demands of the top squad by replacing the injured Shaw.

An extended loan next season appears to be his best bet for learning what it's like to be a professional footballer. As a result, he'd profit from a few weeks of senior experience at the end of the season.

However, Fernandez would benefit greatly from a permanent move into the first team's training group and the experience of being part of a good match preparation routine with the senior set-up, even without playing any games.

The failure to qualify for the Champions League could hasten the process of giving potential youngsters an opportunity, while some of them deserve a chance regardless of the outcome.