It was a mistake to let him leave before but we could just trigger the buy-back clause in the contract. It is a good thing that we have full control over the situation” – Manchester United: Ten Hag suggests the possibility of triggering a ‘buy-back clause’ to bring back one of the best in the Premier League, stating ‘we have control’ over the situation.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has suggested that the club might trigger a “buy-back clause” to bring back one of their former players, either in January or next summer.

During the 2024 summer transfer window, United sold several players to generate funds for new signings. This included Scott McTominay, Mason Greenwood, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as well as left-back Alvaro Carreras, who was sold for around £5 million.

Carreras, who had previously been at Real Madrid as a youth, joined United in 2020 but never made a senior appearance, spending time on loan at Preston, Granada, and Benfica.

After making his move to Benfica permanent, the 21-year-old has impressed this season, particularly in the Champions League against Red Star Belgrade and Atletico Madrid.

With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined due to injuries, United have been short on left-back options. Although summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has performed well, Jonny Evans was used as a temporary left-back against Brentford, as Mazraoui wasn’t fully fit following a heart procedure.

Speculation has emerged about a potential return for Carreras, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

Ten Hag believes United “have control of the situation,” thanks to a £16 million buy-back clause, and hinted that a move could happen soon.

The process has been perfect,” Ten Hag said. “We loaned him to Preston, then Granada, where he didn’t play much. We monitored him all along and eventually had the chance to sell.”

“But we have a buy-back clause, so we maintain control of the situation, and I think that’s exactly what he needed,” Ten Hag stated.

Starting at Preston, then moving to La Liga, and now playing in Portugal with Benfica—each step has taken him to a higher club and a more competitive league. Now, we need to assess the situation and see if he could be an option for us.”

“However, playing for Manchester United, especially in the Premier League, is not easy. It requires experience and development, and you gain that by playing for top clubs and in stronger leagues.”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hinted at a potential move to bring back Alvaro Carreras, the 21-year-old left-back currently shining at Benfica, by triggering a £16 million buy-back clause. Here’s an overview of the situation:

### **Alvaro Carreras’ Journey**
– **Youth Development**: Initially at Real Madrid, Carreras joined United in 2020.
– **Loans**: Despite not making a senior appearance for United, he gained experience on loan at Preston, Granada, and Benfica.
– **Breakthrough at Benfica**: After making his move permanent last summer, Carreras has become a standout performer, particularly impressing in the Champions League.

### **United’s Left-Back Crisis**
– **Injuries**: Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are sidelined, leaving United short of natural left-backs.
– **Makeshift Solutions**: Jonny Evans has been deployed at left-back, and Noussair Mazraoui, primarily a right-back, has been filling in but is not fully fit.
– **Urgent Need**: The situation highlights United’s vulnerability and the need for reinforcements.

### **Why Bring Carreras Back?**
– **Impressive Form**: Carreras’ performances at Benfica demonstrate his growth and readiness for top-level football.
– **Affordable Option**: With a £16 million buy-back clause, he represents a cost-effective solution compared to signing a new player outright.
– **Long-Term Investment**: At 21, Carreras aligns with United’s strategy of investing in young talent while filling a crucial position.

### **Challenges**
– **Competition for His Signature**: Clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Carreras.
– **Pressure of the Premier League**: As Ten Hag mentioned, adapting to the demands of the Premier League requires both physical and mental readiness.
– **Timing**: The move could hinge on whether United act in January or wait until the summer.

### **Ten Hag’s Strategy**
Ten Hag’s comments emphasize United’s deliberate approach to player development and squad management. By structuring a deal with a buy-back clause, United ensured they retained control over Carreras’ future—a move now proving valuable.

### **What’s Next?**
If Carreras maintains his form, United might activate the buy-back clause as early as January to address their defensive needs. His return would not only strengthen the squad but also showcase the effectiveness of United’s long-term planning. For now, much depends on the evaluation of his readiness for the Premier League and competition from other suitors.