"I’m only focused here" - Manchester United target claims he has no plans to join Erik ten Hag's side
Reported Manchester United target Alvaro Carreras has opened up on his future. The left-back said that he is only focused on Benfica right now and helping the team.
Carreras joined Manchester United's academy from Real Madrid's academy in 2020. However, he never made a senior appearance for them and mostly spent time out on loan. He spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Benfica before they triggered his £5 million buy option in the summer.
Carreras has been excellent for the Portuguese side in his 11 appearances this season. This has led to the Red Devils being interested in bringing him back to Old Trafford (via TBR Football). However, the 21-year-old is focused on Benfica right now as he said:
“I only think about Benfica. I’m only focused here. I’ll try to keep up the same level, try to help the team as much as possible. I’m just another player on the team.”
Manchester United are currently going through a major issue at the left-back position. While Luke Shaw hasn't made a single appearance this season, Tyrell Malacia last played in the 2022-23 season.
Manager Erik ten Hag has had to use the likes of Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez in the left-back position.
Erik ten Hag stresses impact of injuries amidst Manchester United's poor form
The Red Devils have won just four of their 13 games across competitions this season. They sit 12th in the Premier League table and 21st in the UEFA Europa League table. They have also had to deal with a number of injuries to the likes of Shaw, Malacia, and Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United are next set to face West Ham United at the London Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday, October 27. Ahead of the match, Erik ten Hag explained the impact of injuries on his side, saying (via manutd.com):
"Yeah. that holds us back in our levels and also in our position in the league. Because, when you don't have the players available, you can't line up the best team and that is what's holding us back in this moment.
"We need more players often available, and then we have to work altogether on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We have to do better and to get more available players because we know when we have them we are a really tough team to play, and when we have them, we can be really, really successful. And that is what we have shown over the last couple of months."
Manchester United have won just one of their last seven games across competitions. That win came against Brentford (2-1) in their last league game and they will look to add to it on Sunday.