Real Madrid Star Shines After Manchester United's Shocking Decision to Abandon Rising Talent
Ex-Manchester United talent scout Piotr Sadowski criticized the Red Devils for "abandoning" Álvaro Carreras, who is now flourishing as Real Madrid's left-back.
Carreras is developing into one of the premier full-backs globally, establishing himself as indispensable in Xabi Alonso's starting lineup during his debut campaign in the Spanish capital. Nevertheless, his journey might have taken a different path if Manchester United, where he dedicated four years, had provided him with genuine opportunities.
"Carreras joined Manchester United at age 16 in 2020," Sadowski explained, according to AS. "He was a dedicated and driven youngster who mastered the language rapidly. I can attest to this as I encountered him personally. From the beginning, his development looked extremely promising."
The Spanish defender earned the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award in 2021–22, an honor given to Manchester United's top Under-23 prospect annually—past recipients include Nicky Butt, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea.
Nevertheless, Erik ten Hag's appointment as manager marked the start of Carreras's departure from Old Trafford. Beginning with the 2022–23 campaign, he was loaned to Preston North End, Granada and Benfica, before the Portuguese club acquired him permanently in summer 2024.
"United abandoned him and ultimately sold him to Benfica for a minimal fee," Sadowski stated. "He possesses world-class potential. There's a strong likelihood he'll become the finest, or among the finest, left-backs globally.
"It was a colossal error from United to release him. Something is amiss here, and I believe that issue is United's reluctance to take risks on young talent."
Álvaro Carreras Reflects on Man Utd Experience
Now an established Real Madrid player, he previously shared his thoughts about his United experience, confessing to MARCA that he remains frustrated about how everything unfolded.
"I believe that if [young talents] merit it, they should receive [a chance]," Carreras explained. "I still harbor resentment from my Manchester period. I understand that's how it works—if they don't provide you [an opportunity], you must depart [to another club] and demonstrate your worth. That's exactly what occurred with me."
In a conversation with The Athletic, Carreras also described how his United chapter concluded.
"[United informed me] That I needed to go on loan, that Ten Hag didn't consider me part of his plans, that I should continue gaining experience and match fitness, and we'd evaluate future possibilities."
Carreras featured in more than 50 matches for Manchester United's youth squads, but never earned a first-team appearance before his eventual exit.
Following an outstanding 2024–25 season with Benfica, Real Madrid invested €50 million ($58.4 million) to secure his services in the latest transfer window. This season, no Real Madrid outfield player has accumulated more La Liga minutes than the 22-year-old left-back.