Alvaro Carreras: Man United face bitter rival for Real Madrid star

As such, a new full-back is being targeted, with Newcastle United and England international Lewis Hall understood to be a leading target, while Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown is another. However, CaughtOffside reveals Carreras – United’s academy graduate currently plying his trade at Real Madrid – is also an option under consideration two years after he left Old Trafford.

But competition will be fierce for the Spain international, with Italian giants Juventus and Napoli both in the race, while a major rival of United’s is considered the frontrunner.

Arsenal ready to push

CaughtOffside claims Arsenal hold a “particularly strong” interest in Carreras as Mikel Arteta looks to bring more attacking threat to his backline – with the 23-year-old said to be increasingly open to the move. “With a demanding fixture schedule expected next season, especially if Arsenal continue competing on multiple fronts, reinforcing the full-back positions has become a priority, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

“Arteta’s willingness to offer…a meaningful role within the squad has made the move increasingly attractive from the player’s perspective.”

Carreras came through the ranks at Old Trafford before joining Portuguese giants SL Benfica on a permanent deal in 2024. A 20% sell-on clause was included, which became active when Real Madrid signed him last summer for a fee in the region of €50 million.

The Ferrol native enjoyed a strong start to life under new head coach Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabéu, having originally played for Los Blancos‘ academy before the switch to Manchester. But Real have endured a difficult campaign which claimed Alonso’s scalp in January, while Carreras’ minutes have been reduced under interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa.

CaughtOffside reveals the Spanish giants will “make calculated decisions if a player’s pathway to regular minutes becomes limited” and the defender’s “long-term deal doesn’t necessarily rule out a transfer.”

Final Thoughts

It may be a tough sales pitch to convince Carreras to return to the Theatre of Dreams after he was not given a fair crack while still a Red Devil. However, the pathway is much clearer now as Shaw enters the twilight of his career, with a need to rest as much as play for the former Southampton man.

Carreras would offer United the flying full-back they need down the left to help balance a player like Cunha, who does his best work when cutting inside. The Madrista has proven capable of playing at the highest level, even if his light is starting to dim in the Spanish capital.

But the lure of Arsenal, with a Spaniard at the helm and the guarantee of competing for major honours, will be a strong one for United to contend with, raising the uncomfortable prospect of Carreras returning to Old Trafford next season in a different red shirt.

Featured image Angel Martinez via Getty Images

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