Alvaro Carreras: From Man Utd Reject to Real Madrid’s High-Value Left-Back

The Journey of Álvaro Carreras: From Early Aspirations to Real Madrid Stardom

In the world of football, some players appear destined for greatness from the outset, seamlessly transitioning from youth academies to senior teams and eventually attracting lucrative transfer deals. Real Madrid boasts several such talents, but the journey of Álvaro Carreras presents a different narrative, one of resilience and determination.

A Return to Roots

Álvaro Carreras is on the brink of rejoining Real Madrid, five years after he initially departed in search of greater opportunities. His move to Manchester United in 2020 coincided with Alejandro Garnacho’s transfer from Atlético Madrid. While Garnacho flourished at Old Trafford, breaking into the first team at the tender age of 18, Carreras’s path was far less straightforward.

His time at Manchester United was marred by challenges. He spent loan spells at Preston North End, which he whimsically described as “going to the mud,” and later at Granada. Ultimately, he left United permanently for Benfica without ever having made a competitive senior appearance. However, his fortunes took a turn for the better at the Estadio da Luz, attracting attention from major clubs across Europe. Bruno Lage, Carreras’s coach at Benfica, remarked on his transformation, stating that he was once perceived as a failure but had now become a coveted talent, with both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid vying for his signature.

In a significant turn of events, Real Madrid secured Carreras’s transfer for €50 million (£43 million), also allowing Rafael Obrador to move in the opposite direction for €5 million. This transfer not only underscores Carreras’s potential but also sets the stage for him to emulate his childhood hero, Marcelo, as the next great left-back for the club.

The Early Years

Born in Mallorca and raised in Ferrol, Galicia, Carreras began his football journey at the age of four with local club Racing de Ferrol, initially playing as a striker. He fondly recalled, “In one season with Racing, I scored 100 goals!” His talent soon caught the eye of Deportivo La Coruña, where he was repositioned as a left-back. Adapting to this new role was challenging for Carreras, who joked about his attacking instincts: “I defend by attacking.”

In 2017, he made the brave decision to join Real Madrid’s academy, moving 600 kilometres from home in pursuit of his footballing dream. “It was a good step, but a tough one,” he reflected.

A Bold Move to England

Three years later, Carreras made another significant leap, this time to Manchester United amid the upheaval of the Covid-19 pandemic. He believed that his playing style aligned perfectly with English football, stating, “I wanted to come to England to improve in defence and become a 10/10 player.” Training alongside legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford was seen as an invaluable opportunity for growth.

During his two seasons in United’s youth system, Carreras showcased his talent, contributing six goals and 11 assists. An exceptional performance against Chelsea’s Under-21s highlighted his capabilities when he scored a stunning goal after evading a defender.

The Struggle for Recognition

Despite his impressive performances, Carreras faced significant obstacles in breaking into the first team. The presence of established players such as Alex Telles and Luke Shaw, coupled with the signing of Tyrell Malacia, led him to seek a loan to Preston North End, where he made 39 appearances and provided six assists.

His pre-season appearances for United raised hopes of a senior debut, particularly after Shaw’s injury. However, United opted to bring in Sergio Reguilón on an emergency loan instead, leading to Carreras’s subsequent loan to Granada. Unfortunately, his time there was equally frustrating, with limited opportunities leading to a loan cancellation and a move to Benfica in January 2024.

A Flourishing Career at Benfica

It was at Benfica that Carreras truly began to thrive. Initially, he faced challenges in securing a consistent spot in the team, but under the guidance of Bruno Lage, he seized his chance. In November, he scored two goals in a week, including a left-footed strike against Farense and another in a resounding 4-1 victory over Porto. His performances drew comparisons to Alejandro Grimaldo, another Spanish left-back who made a name for himself at Benfica.

Carreras expressed his belief in meritocracy, stating, “If you deserve something, you will get it eventually.” His journey showcased the importance of perseverance, as he felt he had unfinished business with Manchester United but was determined to prove his worth elsewhere.

Strengths and Areas for Development

Carreras’s dribbling ability stands out as his primary asset. While he possesses speed, he often relies on trickery to outmaneuver defenders. His left-footed prowess allows him to deliver precise crosses and shots, while he is also capable of cutting inside onto his right foot. This versatility enables him to function effectively as an inverted full-back, contributing to midfield play and executing long passes.

His time at Preston was pivotal in enhancing his defensive skills, with Carreras noting, “I improved a lot. I was more focused because I’ve always found it easy going forward, but defensively I had to concentrate more.” His newfound love for slide tackles has made him a formidable presence in both his own area and midfield.

Despite his strengths, questions linger regarding his delayed establishment in top-flight football and whether he can replicate his success in Portugal upon returning to La Liga, especially at a club as demanding as Real Madrid. Observers have raised eyebrows at the €50 million price tag, with some expressing concerns over his relative inexperience.

The Path Ahead

As Carreras prepares for his return to Real Madrid, he faces fierce competition for a starting position, particularly from Fran García and Ferland Mendy, who is recovering from injury. With Xabi Alonso’s tactical preferences leaning towards a 3-4-3 formation, Carreras’s attacking capabilities could see him thrive as a wing-back.

If he secures a regular spot in the first team, it may not be long before he earns his first senior call-up for Spain. Carreras’s journey back to Madrid has been anything but conventional, but his unwavering commitment and hard work suggest he is ready to seize this opportunity and make a lasting impact.