Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is exploring the possibility of reactivating a buy-back clause to bring back a former player, Álvaro Carreras, as early as the January transfer window or next summer. This strategy is being considered to address the club’s ongoing squad depth issues, particularly in the left-back position, following a series of injuries.
During the 2024 summer transfer window, United sold several players, including Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Carreras, to raise funds for new signings. Carreras, a 21-year-old left-back who joined United from Real Madrid’s youth system in 2020, moved to Benfica for £5 million after failing to make a senior appearance for the club. Before his permanent departure, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at Preston North End, Granada, and Benfica.
Since arriving at Benfica, Carreras has shown remarkable progress, particularly in high-profile competitions like the Champions League. His standout performances against Red Star Belgrade and Atletico Madrid have drawn the attention of elite clubs such as Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. However, United’s buy-back clause, valued at £16 million, gives them a strong advantage over potential competitors if they decide to bring him back.
United’s current injury crisis at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined, has left the team in a challenging position. Although summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has performed well in the role, his recurring fitness issues have forced Ten Hag to make unconventional adjustments, such as deploying veteran defender Jonny Evans as a makeshift left-back in a recent game against Brentford. The addition of Carreras could help solve these problems by adding depth and quality to the position.
Carreras’ return would align with United’s strategy of fostering player development. Ten Hag has praised the club’s handling of the young Spaniard, allowing him to grow through loan spells and a permanent move that provided consistent first-team opportunities. The manager has also acknowledged Carreras’ significant progress, highlighting his performances in La Liga and at Benfica as evidence of his maturity and readiness for top-level football. Nevertheless, Ten Hag noted that the Premier League demands a unique level of preparedness.
The 21-year-old has impressed with his defensive reliability, attacking contributions, and ability to perform in crucial games. His defensive skills, overlapping runs, and precise crosses make him a dynamic full-back. With Carreras’ rise catching the attention of Europe’s top clubs, United’s buy-back option puts them in a favorable position to secure his return. As the club evaluates its options, bringing Carreras back to Old Trafford appears to be a realistic and potentially impactful solution to their left-back issues.
