MANCHESTER UNITED inserted a £16MILLION buy-back clause into Alvaro Carreras’ permanent move to Benfica.
And Benfica are worried that the Red Devils will activate it, according to reports.
United are reportedly considering making a huge transfer U-turn a mere FIVE MONTHS after sanctioning Carerras’ £5million move to the Portuguese giants.
Given their struggles at left-back, United may well regret their decision to let him depart and could be tempted to trigger their buy-back clause.
The 21-year-old left United without making a competitive appearance but has already established himself as a key player for his new club.
Carreras has gone from strength to strength since moving to the Portuguese capital, making nine appearances in all competitions this season.
He has started both of Benfica’s Champions League games, including their 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid, where he kept Argentine World Cup-winner Angel Correa and Frenchman Antonie Griezmann at bay.
United will reportedly face competition for the left-back’s services from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
But the Spaniard’s release clause for all other clubs, bar United, is set at around £41million, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
Carreras spent the second half of last season with Benfica on loan, before making the move permanent in May.
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The Red Devils signed Carerras from Madrid in September 2020, pipping both Barca and Manchester City to his services.
He was named on the bench for several Premier League games under Erik ten Hag.
The full-back was highly-rated at the club, winning the Under-23s player of the season award in 2022.
And United’s defensive injury crisis could see them move back in for Carreras.
Ten Hag’s side have endured their worst ever Premier League start and left-back has been a problem position amid injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Natural right-back Diogo Dalot has started every game on the left-hand side of defence this term – but has endured some horror shows, particularly in United’s 3-0 pummelling by Spurs.
Meanwhile, new full-back Noussair Mazraoui will be sidelined for a few weeks after undergoing a minor procedure after experiencing heart palpitations.
The Red Devils have ONE full-back available for selection in Dalot, or may have to call up 17-year-old Harry Amass for his first Prem minutes.
Harry Maguire has also been ruled out for a few weeks after pulling his calf against Aston Villa.
