Manchester United have not been smart in their transfer decisions in recent seasons, including not trusting some of their own players and going fishing elsewhere. The best example of this is Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras, who hardly got a chance during his three years at Old Trafford.
Carreras was then shipped out to Portuguese club Benfica, where he has quickly established himself as one of the best young left-backs in the world. His performance against Lamine Yamal in the game against Benfica earlier this season earned widespread plaudits.
Following his brilliant 2024/25 season, Real Madrid have gone ahead and snapped up the Spanish defender. Now, as per Manchester Evening News, Los Blancos have helped Manchester United out with an unexpected £8.6m windfall by pulling off this transfer.
Manchester United profit, thanks to Real Madrid
Real Madrid are said to have paid £43 million to secure Carreras’ services. Manchester United thankfully inserted a 20% sell-on clause when they sold him to Benfica and thus, they stand to profit around £8.6m from this deal, due to the fact that the overall transfer fee is more than £5m.
Alvaro Carreras has joined the Spanish giants on a six-year deal. It is a reminder to Manchester United that they had him in their ranks and yet chose not to trust him and instead went for Tyrell Malacia. It is safe to say that the transfer for the Dutch defender hasn’t played out as planned.
In Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup at Manchester United, there is no need for a natural left-back but even if he had to play as a wing-back, the 22-year-old would have done a good job. Regardless, it is a story of what could have been and there is no point pondering about it right now.
Much needed boost at a time of crisis
Ultimately, the one silver lining out of this deal is the money Man Utd are making right now, at a time when each penny matters a lot. The Red Devils are unable to move on some of the dead wood in the squad for a significant transfer fee and this kind of money could help in terms of reinforcements.
It would be interesting to see how Alvaro Carreras’ career plays out at Real Madrid. It is unlikely that Manchester United have the chance to sign him ever again but in football, you never know. Only time will tell how the 22-year-old’s career at the Santiago Bernabeu plays out.