Manchester United are likely to pursue a new left-back during the summer transfer window.
Luke Shaw is presently the regular choice for the role under manager Michael Carrick, but United need a solid competitor, given the Englishman’s injury record.
Patrick Dorgu is a solution for the Red Devils, but it has been reported that the club consider him a competitor to Matheus Cunha on the left wing instead.
Hence, a top-quality left-back could be signed, and we believe United should seek a reunion with Alvaro Carreras amid his uncertain situation at Real Madrid.
Incoming Los Blancos manager Jose Mourinho wants a more defensively minded left-back and has urged the club to sign either Riccardo Calafiori or Josko Gvardiol.
If the Portuguese tactician were to get his wish, it could open the door for Carreras’ potential exit, given he could struggle for regular playing time next season.
The former United defender was a regular under ex-Madrid manager Xabi Alonso during the first half of last season, but lost his place under interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
Towards the end of the campaign, he was a regular unused substitute with Ferland Mendy (injured) and Fran Garcia preferred on the left side of Madrid’s backline.
If Madrid were to sign Calafiori or Gvardiol, it could open the door for Carreras’ exit, as Los Blancos may want to recoup the investment made for a new left-back.
Carreras was signed from Benfica for £43 million, and a similar fee could be agreed for his exit.
Carreras could become available for a summer transfer
The Spanish ace became the third-choice left-back for Madrid during the final weeks of last season as he was behind Mendy and Garcia in the pecking order.
Mendy has been ruled out for most of the year with a fresh injury, but Carreras could find himself in a similar position if Calafiori or Gvardiol were to join Madrid.
In our view, United should consider a reunion with their graduate, who could be a good deputy behind Luke Shaw before establishing himself as a regular in the long run.
The 23-year-old never got his chance at United under former manager Erik ten Hag. He was loaned out to Preston North End, Granada and Benfica before joining the latter permanently.
United had the option to re-sign him with a low buy clause last summer, but ex-manager Ruben Amorim passed on the opportunity, having signed Dorgu at the start of the year.
Dorgu is primarily a left-back but has been vulnerable with his positioning in the role. He looks more adept playing as a winger and scored some memorable goals last term.
His future could be higher up the pitch. We would love Carreras to return, given he is a strong ball-playing left-back and has impressed with his creativity higher up the pitch.
Carreras completed 91 percent of his passes in La Liga last campaign. He won four duels per game with six recoveries and almost two tackles. He made two clearances per outing.
The left-back also chipped in with five goal contributions in the league. Shaw stayed unscathed and started every league match for United last season, but his injury record is a cause for concern.
The Southampton graduate has often been sidelined when subjected to a heavier workload. With United back in the Champions League next term, they could play over 60 matches with a strong run in every competition.
Shaw will need to be rotated regularly with another top-notch left-back. Carreras would be a perfect acquisition, but the big question remains whether he would consider a reunion if the opportunity arises.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com