United star that Ten Hag sold for peanuts has surprised everyone with “greatest work of individual transformation” – report

Former Manchester United talent Alvaro Carreras has reportedly enjoyed a transformative season at Benfica so far.

When United recalled Carreras from Granada and then sent him on loan to Benfica early this year, not many batted an eyelid as the then-manager Erik ten Hag didn’t give the highly-rated academy full-back any first-team opportunity.

Not only did Ten Hag’s side allow the Spaniard to move to Portugal on loan despite an injury crisis at left-back, but the club also handed Benfica an option to secure his signing on a permanent basis for a fee of around €6m.

Benfica exercised that option in the summer, however, even in Portugal, Carreras wasn’t expected to become a first-team regular.

According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), there were question marks over the player’s ability, so much so Benfica signed Jan-Niklas Beste for the left-back role.

However, the more experienced signing picked up an injury, opening the way for the ex-United youngster to impress Bruno Lage.

Since then, Carreras has become a regular starter under Lage, having already made 20 appearances across all competitions. He also has two goals and two assists to his name this term.

Shining light on his progress, the Portuguese newspaper state: “The new Carreras, the boy who never stops growing Spanish left-back has become fundamental in both attacking and defending and is the greatest work of individual transformation by Benfica’s manager.”

Even during his time at United, the exciting left-back’s ability to make a difference in the final third through his pace and dribbling ability was admired by many. Now under Lage, he has also impressed with his defending.

Analysing his recent performance, A Bola write that he is “attacking more correctly, with less risk.”

It has been widely reported that United are keeping an eye on their former starlet. Apart from his sensational form, Carreras also makes perfect sense financially, for the Red Devils.

United sold him for cheap to Benfica, but it is understood they secured a buyback clause, believed to be worth €20m. The 21-year-old’s release clause for other suitors is alleged to be €50m.