Manchester United could re-sign Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras for a reduced fee compared to the release clause other suitors would have to trigger, according to a report.
The Spanish defender moved from Real Madrid‘sa United equivalent in September 2020. Carreras, formerly known as Alvaro Fernández, had three separate loan spells before joining Benfica permanently for a fee of £5m in the summer past without making a single senior appearance.
The Portuguese giants tied Carreras down to a five-year deal with a €50m (£41.7m) buyout clause, but united inserted a €20m (£16.7m) buy-back clause into the deal, according to registration.
United’s decision to sell Carreras last summer raised some eyebrows given the fitness struggles that have plagued the club’s two left-backs, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Right-back Diogo Dalot has started every Premier League and Europa League game this season at his unnatural full-back.
Erik has HagThose of Carreras are not the only former club interested in recovering it. Real Madrid have been sniffing around the left-back, who spent two years on the books of the European champions before rejecting a professional contract to sign for United during the lockdown.
Barcelona have also been linked while United’s Premier League rivals Liverpool joined the crowded group of possible suitors.
Carreras spent the second half of last season on loan at Benfica, and was only brought into Roger Schmidt’s set-up in the final month of the campaign. Schmidt was replaced at the end of August by the ex Wolverhampton Wanderers the boss, Bruno Lage, who has consistently trusted Carreras since the beginning.
The 21-year-old is yet to register an assist this season, but has been involved in a haul of five goals in open play – a number only two players in the Portuguese top flight can better, per FBRef.
