Former Manchester United star Alvaro Carreras was back in England this week for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Liverpool.
It has been nearly two years since Manchester United loaned out Alvaro Carreras, also known as Alvaro Fernandez, to Benfica.
United sold Alvaro for just £5 million, but he dazzled in Portugal and earned a £43 million move to Real Madrid this summer.
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The now 22-year-old was never given a chance to impress at United under Erik ten Hag, and there are now major regrets about selling Alvaro.
He has become an ever-present figure at Madrid under Xabi Alonso, and he returned to England to face United’s arch-rivals on Tuesday evening.
Alvaro Fernandez playing for Real Madrid
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Liverpool beat Madrid 1-0 at Anfield, and Alvaro played the full 90 minutes on Merseyside.
Starting at left-back in a back four, Alvaro was tasked with keeping Mohamed Salah quiet. It was Alexis Mac Allister who scored the goal for the hosts.
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Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo described Alvaro in one word – “Brave”.
They added: “He had an electrifying duel with Salah, unsettling him as much as possible. Although he didn’t break lines as he has on other occasions, he played a fairly solid game and had one shot on target.”
AS also praised Alvaro for his performance against Salah.
“Very attentive from the opening whistle, looking to stifle the ‘Pharaoh’. He only struggled against Salah towards the end. Efficient in duels and solid.
“With the ball, he had a few misplaced passes, but made several dangerous runs forward. On one occasion, he nearly won a penalty. On another, he had a clear chance after a dazzling run. And he made a crucial interception to prevent a goal.”
Alvaro Carreras passed Premier League test
Alvaro was sold by United before he had the opportunity to make his first-team debut, so he remains untested in the Premier League.
However, facing up against the reigning Premier League champions is as good a test as Alvaro can get while playing for Madrid.
Up against Salah, Alvaro passed with flying colours despite being on the losing side at Anfield.
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United already have regrets about selling Alvaro, and left wing-back is becoming a problem for Amorim this season.
Knowing that Alvaro has what it takes to lock down Premier League attackers will only add to United’s regret.