Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Man Utd will sign a new left-back this month and have Benfica star Alvaro Carreras on their list.

Ruben Amorim has overseen a difficult start to life as United manager and the January window is a crucial moment to strengthen ahead of the second half of the season.

With his system utilising wing-backs, injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have left him struggling to truly implement his style which was hugely successful in Portugal with Sporting.

One player who United have a buy-back clause in place with is Benfica’s Carreras, who developed in their academy and who has starred for Benfica this season.

He produced an excellent attacking performance against Barcelona in the 5-4 epic in the Champions League last night, recording one assist and producing plenty of moments of quality on the left-hand-side.

Taking to X, Romano confirmed the latest surrounding United’s pursuit of a left-back signing – and he teased good news across the next week.

‘Manchester United will sign a new LWB, no doubts. Talks for Patrick Dorgu continue after €27m bid rejected.

‘Lecce insist on €40m fee as they’re aware of Napoli interest for July.

‘United also have more options in list including Alvaro Carreras with €18m buy back clause.’

Speaking after the game, Carreras was quizzed over whether he would be open to a move to Spain after impressing against the La Liga leaders.

“No. In truth, we never know, but I have a long-term contract here at Benfica, I’m happy. They gave me the opportunity to grow and I owe them everything.”

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Carreras is the ‘perfect’ signing

Having previously developed in their academy, United currently have a buy-back clause in place to sign the Benfica star should they wish to activate it.

Previously, he had been described as the ‘perfect Ruben Amorim signing’ by StatmanDave and his figures compared to players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues and the European competitions show he could well be the real deal.

He ranks in the 96th percentile or above for key metrics such as switches, ball recoveries, successful take-on percentage, touches in the defensive third and interceptions.

The 21-year-old Spaniard spent three years developing in Real Madrid’s academy before United brought him to theirs in 2020 and he has an excellent range of technical skills that would help elevate Amorim’s current system.

Man Utd could make a shock bid for Man City winger Jack Grealish with Alejandro Garnacho set to leave Old Trafford, according to reports.

The Red Devils have had a terrible first half of the season with Ruben Amorim unable to turn things around after replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag in November.

Amorim’s side had put a couple of good performances against Liverpool and Arsenal recently but two poor displays against Southampton – although they won 3-1 – and Brighton have squeezed the positive energy out of many Man Utd fans.

Yankuba Minteh put Brighton ahead against Man Utd at Old Trafford on Sunday before Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty to bring the Red Devils level before half-time.

But Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter scored two second-half goals to give Brighton a 3-1 win and see Man Utd remain 13th in the Premier League table.

Man Utd are hoping to provide Amorim with some reinforcements but it’s understood that they will have to sell before they buy anyone in the January transfer window.

One player who is attracting lots of interest is Garnacho with the Man Utd winger the subject of a bid from Napoli, while Tottenham and Chelsea are also reportedly keen on his services.

And if the Red Devils look to bring in a player to replace Garnacho, it could be Man City winger Grealish, with The Sun claiming that Man Utd could make a shock offer for the ex-Aston Villa star with Amorim’s side one of the clubs holding active interest in his services.

The Daily Mail insist that Garnacho is a great trainer and a good character around the training complex with Man Utd only thinking about selling him because of ‘his value’.

The report claims:

‘The answer lies in his value and the fact that, as determined as he has been to adapt to the demands of Amorim in the short time they have had working together, his new boss does not believe he has the defensive discipline to be converted into a wing-back – as has been done with Amad Diallo – and that he is not a natural No 10. As such, there is no place for him.

‘Against Southampton last week Garnacho started as one of the two No 10s and often found himself looking back to Amorim on the sidelines for reassurance. Even then, he ended up drifting wide to the left before Amorim barked at him to come back inside.

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‘Under Amorim, Garnacho has played 14 times, starting just six. He has scored one goal and had one assist, with his influence on games is waning now that he cannot play to his strengths as an orthodox left winger.

‘He is a player fading into the background where once the Old Trafford pitch, and that left wing, was his centre stage.

‘His future may well be taken out of his hands and decided in boardrooms in Manchester, London or Naples, but before the trigger is pulled United would do well to heed the advice of Ten Hag.

‘The reason United are considering selling him is down to his value, and that there is currently no place for him in Amorim’s team.’

According to reports, Manchester United have ‘indicated’ that they are ‘making an increased bid’ to sign Lecce star Patrick Dorgu.

The Red Devils have been focused on outings this month as INEOS look to raise funds for potential signings, but they could make a couple of additions before the transfer window closes.

Ruben Amorim‘s priority is to sign a natural left wing-back and Dorgu has reportedly emerged as one of their preferred options.

The 20-year-old has already made 56 appearances for Serie A outfit Lecce since breaking through for his boyhood club at the start of last season.

The Denmark international has four goal involvements in his 20 Serie A outings this term and his performances have not gone unnoticed.

Man Utd are reportedly leading the race to sign Dorgu and have a ‘basic agreement’ in place, though they have to iron out a couple of issues to complete a deal.

READ: Man Utd ‘dream’ January transfer window involves 13 deals in 13 days and signing three left-backs

Man Utd and Lecce remain apart on Dorgu’s valuation, but a report from GiveMeSport claims they have ‘indicated they are set to make an improved bid for Dorgu’.

While it’s noted that they are ‘set to test Lecce’s resolve with an improved bid’, it is also revealed that they are willing to ‘walk away’ amid competition from Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur.

The report explains.

‘GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United have indicated they are poised to head back to the negotiating table with a fresh offer worth close to £30million for Dorgu, having had their opening proposal in the region of £25million including add-ons rejected on Tuesday night, but they may walk away if their next bid is not accepted.’

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‘Although the Serie A strugglers have been seeking close to £34million – which is more than Manchester United are prepared to pay for Dorgu – GMS sources have been told there is confidence that all parties can reach an agreement for less than that figure, and it has resulted in Red Devils holding further talks on Wednesday.

‘Amorim has been facing stiff competition to recruit the Denmark international as Tottenham Hotspur have also been among the sides keeping tabs on his situation after being forced to contend with Destiny Udogie sustaining a hamstring injury which could keep him out of action until March, while Napoli are prepared to loan him straight back if they win the race.

‘But Dorgu wants to complete a January move to Old Trafford, in a significant boost for Manchester United, and GMS sources recently revealed he has a verbal pact to leave Lecce if a big club comes calling and lodges a suitable offer ahead of the winter transfer window slamming shut.’