The agent of one of Manchester United’s rumoured summer targets rubbished any talk of a £30 million transfer plot that “does not deserve any comment.”
With Manchester United’s lacklustre season coming to an end, it looks a certainty that a rebuild is on the card, as Ruben Amorim will aim to build a squad appropriate for his system.
Since his arrival in November, Amorim’s key problem area has been his flanks, as he has consistently struggled to find the right profiles to suit his 3-4-2-1 formation.
Despite Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu arrival in January and Harry Amass’ recent revelation from the academy, it seems that Amorim will be hoping for more reinforcement out wide.
In recent weeks, United have been rumoured with a handful of names for these areas, however, one of the key names being mentioned is former United player Alvaro Carreras.
Carreras return a non-starter?
Having graduated from Carrington, Carreras left United for pastures new, heading to Benfica for just over £5 million. However, this included a buy-back option.
United were obviously not blind to the potential of their Spanish defender when selling him, hence the £17 million buy-back option, and it has been rumoured that they are keen to trigger this in the summer.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful campaign in Portugal. He has played 30 of the 32 games in Benfica’s push for the league title. With two games remaining, they currently sit shy of Sporting CP on goal difference.
Last week, a report emerged that claimed Real Madrid were attempting to persuade United to activate their buy-back clause and sell Carreras to Los Blancos for £30 million, which would allow the Old Trafford club to pocket an instant profit of over £10 million while allowing Madrid to circumvent the player’s current £45m release clause.
Carreras’ agent, Gines Carvajal, has trashed this rumour, saying via Sport Witness: “I don’t know where this news comes from. Everything that is said in it is pure fantasy, and, as such, it does not deserve any comment on my part.”
As covered by A Bola, the Spaniard’s agent continued by stating that, “Carreras is doing very well in Benfica and will continue there.”
Madrid’s transfer plot would be against the rules
While Madrid’s reported idea may seem clever, it would have actually seen the club break a series of transfer rules that could land them in serious trouble.
This move would have been a breach of FIFA’s rules on ‘bridging transfers’ and wouldn’t be a possibility for the Spanish juggernauts.
With Carreras looking like he’s staying put in Portugal for now, Amorim will have to look elsewhere to find the right fit for his right-hand side as he looks to take United back to the top.
“In truth, we never know, but I have a long-term contract here at Benfica, I’m happy,” Carreras said on his future in January. “They gave me the opportunity to grow, and I owe them everything.”
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