Man United academy product Alvaro Carreras prefers Real Madrid move over Old Trafford return | OneFootball

Manchester United’s potential pursuit of Alvaro Carreras could be thwarted by Real Madrid, reports suggest.

Carreras moved to Manchester from Real Madrid’s academy in the summer of 2020. The Spanish left-back spent nearly four years on the club’s books and consistently made headlines with his attacking style of play at youth level. He also enjoyed a promising loan spell at Preston North End during the 2022-23 season.

However, it seems he failed to impress Erik ten Hag with his exploits, as despite injury concerns at left-back, the Dutch coach did not hand Carreras a single first-team appearance.

In January of this year, the Spaniard was loaned out to Benfica, who were also reportedly given a €6 million buy option. The Portuguese outfit needed little time to place their trust in his talents, and they signed him on a permanent deal this summer.

Since then, Carreras has gone strength to strength, raising eyebrows with his performances in the Primeira Liga as well as the Champions League.

His form seemingly made United take a u-turn on their assessment of him, with a report claiming the Red Devils are among clubs following the Benfica star.

United have the advantage in the race for the Spain U21s international due to a buyback clause, reported to be in the region of €20m. Meanwhile his buyout clause for other suitors is understood to be set at €50m.

However, according to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Benfica full-back would prefer moving to Los Blancos over the Red Devils.

They claim they have been able to find out that the player, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona,  ‘prefers the meringues’.

Benfica are also likely to nudge Carreras in that direction as they would be due a higher fee.

It is tough to see the Spanish giants, who lost Leny Yoro to United this summer due to their reluctance to go all out for the Frenchman, spend €50m on a full-back, who is only now starting to show his true potential.

However, for the Mancunian giants, Carreras represents a much better value for money.

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