Carreras blasts Man Utd 'for not giving chance' as he is now set to sign for Real Madrid

Manchester United fans are looking back now at a dismal season and as the club aims to reinforce, they have to wonder how a top player in a key position was let slip.

Álvaro Fernández Carreras, the 22-year-old Spanish left-back currently at Benfica, is on the verge of a significant transfer to Real Madrid, a move that could still financially benefit his former club, United.

Carreras, who began his youth career at Real Madrid before moving to United in 2020, spent time developing in United's youth system.

"I was left with the frustration at United, for example I was now with Raul Asencio at Real Madrid, who I knew in the youth team and I am happy for those who are doing well," he told Marca.

"But that is the way it is, if they don't give you a chance then you have to leave and look for a chance."  

Despite being named the club’s U23 Player of the Year in 2022, he never made a senior appearance and was loaned out to Preston North End, Granada, and eventually Benfica.

In January 2024, Benfica secured his services permanently for €6 million, with United inserting a €18 million buy-back clause and a sell-on clause into the deal.

Now, Real Madrid are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Benfica to acquire Carreras for a fee between €40–50 million. If the deal materializes, Manchester United stand to gain. The club could either:

By securing financial interests in their former players' futures, United can bolster their transfer budget without direct player sales.

As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Benfica and Real Madrid, with Manchester United poised to benefit from the outcome.

But where did it go wrong, how was it that a clearly talented player who is among the best in the world in his position was let slip by United who didn't give him a chance in the first team.