Man Utd’s left-back solution: Amorim gets glowing report on €20m star

Former Manchester United prospect Alvaro Fernandez Carreras continues to cultivate a sparkling reputation in Portugal.

The Benfica left-back has been a revelation since his arrival in Lisbon. He initially joined the club on loan from Man Utd in January, before the deal was made permanent for a measly €6 million in the summer.

Despite showing plenty of promise as a youngster, Carreras had failed to break into the Red Devils’ side and his loan stints away from the club also didn’t fill the Old Trafford side with particular confidence that he was ready to play in the Premier League.

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However, since his move to Portugal, the Spaniard has been consistently performing well, which previously prompted ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag to reveal that the club had a buy-back option and were closely monitoring his development.

One of Man Utd’s top priorities for 2025 is to add a left-back to their squad, so speculation surrounding a potential return of Carreras has been rampant in recent months – and for good reason.

Carreras developing brilliantly

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Carreras is increasingly becoming a well-rounded defender. In a glowing report on his development, it is noted that the 21-year-old has worked tirelessly in recent weeks to improve the defensive side of his game.

There were no concerns over his attacking contribution when he signed for Benfica, but there were question marks over whether he was capable of properly fulfilling his defensive duties. However, those worries are increasingly disappearing.

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Carreras is described as a ‘kid who keeps growing’ and this will, of course, not have gone unnoticed at Man Utd. With the Red Devils in the market for a left-back – or left wing-back – their former youngster could prove a viable solution.

Due to the buy-back clause, he could be more easily attainable than other targets such as Alphonso Davies, who is close to extending his Bayern Munich contract, or Theo Hernandez, who wouldn’t come cheap despite struggling for form this season.