Manchester United are prioritising the addition of a left wingback in the winter transfer window with the club currently locked in talks with Lecce over Patrick Dorgu.
However, the Dane is not the only option being monitored with former Carrington graduate Alvaro Fernandez Carreras another player that the Red Devils have their eyes on.
The Spaniard has been a revelation since his permanent move to Benfica last summer. And as per Portuguese outlet Record, United scouts will be present to watch the 21-year-old in action when Benfica take on Casa Pia on Saturday.
“Man. United will be represented today in Rio Maior to watch Casa Pia-Benfica (6pm), with a clear objective: to see Álvaro Carreras in action once again.
United scouts will watch Alvaro Fernandez
“The club led by Rúben Amorim is looking to sign a left-back and has already made an offer for Patrick Dorgu, a Lecce player, but the possibility of the Red Devils buying the Spaniard back from Benfica is also being considered.”
Barcelona are also interested in the former United star with Benfica refusing to let him go for less than his release clause of €50 million.
However, the 20-time English league champions hold all the aces in the deal as they had included a buyback clause for around €20 million.
With Lecce demanding over €40 million for their wingback, INEOS might be tempted to opt for the cost-effective option given their PSR concerns.
The Spanish star has been a regular for Benfica this term, making 30 appearances while netting three times and has also registered four assists.
Alvaro is a more cost-effective option
Fernandez has impressed in an attacking sense but question marks remain over his defending. He has also been deployed as a traditional left-back for the Portuguese giants, another point of concern.
The potential deal also highlights what a costly mistake it was to let him leave for a mere €6 million in the first place.
Erik ten Hag opted to send him away without offering him any first-team minutes despite the absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia due to injury.
It will be interesting to see which left wingback ultimately comes to Old Trafford this January. One thing is clear, Ruben Amorim cannot make do with playing Diogo Dalot in the position for much longer.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
