Álvaro Carreras joins Benfica on loan from Manchester United

Benfica has welcomed 20-year-old Spanish left-back Álvaro Carreras to their ranks, securing him on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

The deal includes an option to buy for the young player, who is enthusiastic about this new chapter in his career.

In a recent interview with BTV, Carreras expressed his eagerness to start his journey with Benfica.

"It's a step forward, I'm very grateful for the confidence and I want to get started right away," he said.

The Spanish Under-21 international also made a commitment to Benfica fans: "I want to give my all, help out and achieve all the goals."

Carreras, who will don the number 3 jersey, spoke highly of his new club.

"Benfica is a giant club, with incredible fans, and I'm very keen to start playing here right away," he remarked.

He acknowledged Brazilian international Marcelo, whom he met at Real Madrid, as a significant influence in his position.

Carreras believes that his recent experience playing for Granada in La Liga will aid in adapting to his new team.

"The months I had in La Liga weren't perfect because I suffered, but they helped me a lot," Carreras added.

Born in Ferrol, Galicia, Carreras began his football journey at the local club Racing, later joining Deportivo La Coruña's youth teams.

His impressive performance led him to Real Madrid at 14 and eventually to Manchester United, where he signed a four-year contract in September 2020.

He developed mainly in the Under-23 team at Manchester United, earning the club's best U23 player accolade at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Carreras's career also includes a successful loan spell at Preston North End and a recent stint at Granada.

He made his debut for the Spain U-21 team in September 2023, providing an assist in a win over Malta.

This loan move marks Carreras's third stint away from Manchester United.