Ex-Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has criticised the club’s transfer business in recent seasons.
Alvaro Carreras was sold to Benfica for just £5m last summer. While the Red Devils do have a buyback option worth £15m, he could now join Real Madrid for a fee north of £40m. In an exclusive interview with Man U News (courtesy of Prime Casino), Sheringham was asked whether offloading the left-back was a mistake, and he replied:
“Without a doubt. I mean, the recruitment and the selling is a massive factor in football. And for them to let players go so easily has been a big problem.”
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“You only have to look at Scott McTominay who is excelling at Napoli. I really like him as a player, and I did while he was at Manchester United. It’s not just what he’s done since he’s left. I think that British leadership qualities are what English Football clubs need, and he epitomised that for me.”
Carreras’s performances since leaving United
The Spaniard has impressed since making the switch to Benfica on a permanent basis last summer. He has scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists in 49 appearances.
Carreras is perfectly suited to playing as a wingback, having been deployed in both a back four and back five at Benfica over the course of this campaign.
The consequences of the Europa League final defeat
The loss to Tottenham means that Ruben Amorim’s side have to cut their cloth accordingly when it comes to the transfer budget. There is money available but it is believed a large portion will be spent on Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who will cost £62.5m.
For that reason, the decision not to buy back Carreras is all the more puzzling. He is available for a very low price and he could provide excellent competition for Patrick Dorgu. With the defender now keen on joining Real, it seems there is very little prospect of him returning to Old Trafford.
Read more exclusive stories – Wes Brown’s views on Andre Onana and Sheringham’s dire warning about the club’s future.