Manchester United’s interest in Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras appears to be becoming more complex. The Red Devils are actively seeking a long-term successor to Luke Shaw, who was a vital part of the team last season but turns 31 next month.

Considering Shaw’s recurring injury issues, United must soon finalise a succession plan for the position. The exit of Tyrell Malacia and Patrick Dorgu’s strong performances in a more attacking role have only intensified the need to bring in a new left-back.

While United could turn to young prospect Harry Amass, reports indicate he is inclined towards another loan spell. Meanwhile, Diego Leon, who joined the club last summer, has mostly featured for the academy side and is still awaiting his first senior appearance.

The Old Trafford outfit have been linked with several potential recruits, including Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. However, speculation has also grown around a possible return of former academy product Carreras to Manchester this summer.

Carreras previously came through Real Madrid’s academy before making a move to Manchester United’s youth setup in 2020. His signing was initially seen as a major coup, but the Spaniard never managed to secure a place in the first team.

Following loan spells at Preston North End and Granada, Carreras joined Benfica on loan in January 2024. The Portuguese club exercised their option to make the move permanent at the end of that season.

Despite winning the Under-23 Player of the Year award in 2022, Carreras never made a senior appearance for United—something the club reportedly came to regret. After an outstanding campaign with Benfica, Real Madrid signed him for a reported €50 million fee last summer, with United benefiting from a sell-on clause.

Last season, Carreras was part of a Real Madrid side that endured a challenging campaign. The 23-year-old ended the season with two goals and three assists in 40 matches across all competitions.

Recent reports suggest that Real Madrid could be open to selling Carreras following the arrival of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. The LaLiga giants are believed to value the defender at around €50 million this summer, and fresh updates have surfaced regarding his future.

According to The Athletic, manager José Mourinho remains unconvinced by Carreras, though it is unlikely that the youngster will depart the Bernabéu this transfer window. The report notes: “On the left, the arrival of Cucurella, 27, means there will be a departure.”

“Carreras, 23, or Fran Garcia, 26, are expected to leave. Carreras’ profile does not convince Mourinho, but those closest to him say he will be going nowhere, given that it has only been a year since his €50million signing from Benfica.”

“Mourinho prefers asymmetrical full-backs, envisioning the right-back (Alexander-Arnold or Dumfries) having more attacking freedom than the left-back (Cucurella or Carreras).”

Although Alvaro Carreras represents a promising option for strengthening United’s left-back position, convincing Real Madrid to part ways with him would likely require a significant investment. If the club plans to allocate major funds to the position, pursuing the Premier League-proven Lewis Hall might be a more pragmatic choice.