Alvaro Carreras: Fresh twist in United target’s Real Madrid future | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras could turn out to be a complicated affair. The Red Devils are looking for a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, who was indispensable last season but will turn 31 next month.

Given the Englishman’s injury troubles, it is imperative that the English giants prepare succession plans for the position soon. The departure of Tyrell Malacia, coupled with Patrick Dorgu’s impressive run in an attacking role, has further accelerated the need to sign a new left-back.

United do have the option to call upon Harry Amass, but recent reports suggest that he is keen to leave on another loan deal. Meanwhile, Diego Leon, who was signed last summer, has largely played for the academy and is yet to make his first-team bow.

The Red Devils have been linked with several candidates for the job, including Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. However, there has also been talk of former academy graduate Carreras’ spectacular return to the Theatre of Dreams this summer.

United missed a trick with Carreras

Carreras spent time in Real Madrid’s academy before leaving in 2020 to join United’s youth side. It was believed that the Red Devils had managed a coup by securing his services, but the Spaniard never managed to break into the first-team.

After loan spells with Preston North End and Granada, Carreras joined Benfica on loan in January 2024. The Portuguese club had an option to buy him permanently at the end of the campaign, which they exercised.

Despite winning the Under-23 Player of the Year award in 2022, the Spaniard never featured for United’s senior side, a decision the club have lived to regret. After an impressive campaign with Benfica, Real Madrid secured his services for a reported €50 million fee last summer, with United securing a windfall from a sell-on clause.

Carreras was part of a squad that struggled last season, and he finished the campaign with two goals and three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

Alvaro Carreras Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Los Blancos are ready to cash in on the 23 year old this summer following the arrival of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. It is believed that the LaLiga giants are willing to let him go for €50 million this year, and an update on the situation has now emerged.

Carreras unlikely to leave this year

According to The Athletic, Mourinho remains unconvinced by Carreras, but it is unlikely that the defender will leave Real Madrid this summer. The report states: “On the left, the arrival of Cucurella, 27, means there will be a departure.”

“Carreras, 23, or Fran Garcia, 26, are expected to leave. Carreras’ profile does not convince Mourinho, but those closest to him say he will be going nowhere, given that it has only been a year since his €50million signing from Benfica.”

“Mourinho favours asymmetrical full-backs and he has envisaged the right-back (Alexander-Arnold or Dumfries) having more attacking freedom than the left-back (Cucurella or Carreras).”

Final Thoughts

While Alvaro Carreras could be a strong option to reinforce the left-back position, prising him away from Real Madrid is likely to be a costly affair. If United are planning on investing heavily in the left-back position, perhaps it would be wiser to target the Premier League-proven Hall.

Featured image Angel Martinez via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social