United could be left red-faced as Liverpool establish interest in sought-after ‘monster’ they sold for peanuts

Manchester United are undoubtedly ruing their decision to sell Alvaro Carreras for such a cut-price fee with each passing week. 

After completing his permanent move to Benfica in May, the 21-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the most tantalising defensive prodigies in Europe, having overseen a stellar start to his first full campaign with the Portuguese outfit.

Carreras, previously of Real Madrid’s academy, never made a senior appearance for the Red Devils before his exit. His frequent omissions often raised the eyebrows of supporters, given the club’s pressing need for coverage at left-back amidst a time when both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were both – and still are – unavailable.

United instead called upon the likes of Diogo Dalot and, on occasion, Victor Lindelof to deputise for the sidelined left-backs, despite having the youngster in their ranks who was a natural option to fill the void and who would’ve been eager to impress the manager after being awarded chances.

Yet, the board instead decided to recall Carreras from his loan spell with Granada in January to send him Benfica’s way – this time inserting an option to buy in his contract terms, which would’ve become an obligation had he started 50 per cent of their remaining matches. The clause was triggered in the summer, with United receiving £5 million from their academy prospect’s exit.

Carreras quickly garners top European interest after United exit

As such, Carreras’ recent showings have seen him garner interest from Madrid, Barcelona and, more recently, Liverpool, per O Jogo and Diario AS.

It’s no surprise, either, as his statistics in his first two Champions League matches of the term led to him being deemed a ‘monster in the making’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig; in 180 minutes, the U21 Spain international made 112 passes with an 89 per cent accuracy, made four key passes, four clearances, six interceptions and five tackles while also registering four successful dribbles and winning 10 out of his 14 duels.

AS is the outlet to confirm that Liverpool have joined the race for the ex-Red as they begin putting plans in place for Andy Robertson’s long-term successor. Meanwhile, United are said to be mulling over an activation of his buyback clause.