Manchester United handed blow as 21-year-old transfer target prefers move to Real Madrid: Reports

Alvaro Carreras would prefer a move to Real Madrid over a return to Manchester United, according to Record. The Spanish left-back left the Red Devils permanently this summer to join Benfica.

The midfielder rose through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu but left Los Blancos in 2020 to arrive at Old Trafford. The player initially joined the Premier League giants' academy and was highly rated in the youth side.

However, he couldn't break into Manchester United's senior team. Despite the injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia last season, Carreras was allowed to join Benfica on loan in January this year.

The 21-year-old had a decent run with the Portuguese side, who exercised the option to sign him permanently this summer. It has already proven to be a huge mistake by the Red Devils, who have struggled to field a specialist left-back this season.

Meanwhile, Carreras has continued his rise at the Estadio da Luz, registering nine appearances already this season. His efforts have apparently turned heads at Real Madrid as well.

Los Blancos are reportedly already on the hunt for a new left-back, with Ferland Mendy failing to impress. While the LaLiga giants have their eyes on Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, they could also be tempted to bring Alvaro Carreras home.

The Spaniard's desire to return to his former hunting grounds could also work in Real Madrid's favor. However, Benfica's €50m asking price could be a dealbreaker for Los Blancos.

Will Manchester United and Real Madrid battle for Alvaro Carreras's signature?

Real Madrid lost out to Manchester United in the battle for Leny Yoro this summer. Los Blancos refused to match Lille's asking price for the French pearl, and the Red Devils took advantage to prise him away.

The Premier League giants also have an advantage over their LaLiga counterparts in the race for Alvaro Carreras. As per the aforementioned report, Manchester United have a €20m buyback clause in the player's contract, which makes them the frontrunners in the chase.

However, Real Madrid are unlikely to be too worried about missing out on the Spaniard. Alphonso Davies remains Los Blancos' preferred option for the position and the club are already working to take him to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and isn't expected to sign a new deal. The LaLiga giants are already working to sign him on a Bosman move next summer. As such, Manchester United could have a free run at Carreras in 2025.