*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:40, 11 October 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 03:58, 16 October 2024 (UTC)
Álvaro Fernández Carreras (born 23 March 2003) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Primeira Liga club Benfica.
Carreras signed for Manchester United from Real Madrid in September 2020 on a four-year contract,[3][4] amid interest from other European clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City.[5] He began training with the first team during the early stages of the 2021–22 season.[6]
Carreras was a regular for the under-23 team in his first season at Manchester United, making 20 league appearances and one in the EFL Trophy, as well as seven for the under-18s, and two in the FA Youth Cup. He then played 21 times in the league in 2021–22, all as a starter, as well as playing in all three EFL Trophy matches and six of the seven in the UEFA Youth League. He received his first call-up to the Manchester United first team in April 2022, when he was named on the bench for the Premier League match at home to Chelsea.[7] He was also named on the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion.[8]
On 11 May 2022, Carreras was named Manchester United's U23 Player of the Year.[9] He departed the club in 2024 before making his debut for the senior team.
On 1 September 2023, Carreras joined La Liga club Granada on a season-long loan.[13] On 14 January 2024, he was recalled by Manchester United.[14]
Benfica
On 17 January 2024, Manchester United sent Carreras on loan to Primeira Liga club Benfica until the end of the 2023–24 season.[15] The loan deal included an optional buy-clause, reported to be €6 million, which became mandatory if he started 50% of Benfica's remaining games during the loan spell.[16]
Seven days later, Carreras made his debut for Benfica, coming on as a second-half substitute in the Taça da Ligasemi-final against Estoril; the game ended 1–1, with Benfica being subsequently eliminated by penalty shootout.[17] On 4 February, he made his Primeira Liga debut, coming off the bench to replace Morato during the second half of a 3–0 victory over Gil Vicente at the Estádio da Luz.[18]
On 26 May 2024, Manchester United announced that Benfica had exercised the €6 million buy option in Carreras' loan contract, which included €3 million in potential add-ons.[19][20] Subsequently, he signed a new contract with Benfica until 2029.[21]
International career
Carreras has played youth international football for Spain at under-19 and under-21 levels.[22] He made his debut for the under-19 team on 26 October 2021, when he started in a friendly match against Israel.[23]