Man United Under Fire for Releasing Carreras Too Early

Bornheimer – Manchester United is once again under scrutiny for their transfer policies, especially regarding young talent. After parting ways with several promising prospects in recent years, the club’s 2024 decision to sell Alvaro Carreras is now labeled one of their biggest mistakes. Carreras, a Spanish left-back who arrived at Old Trafford at just 16, was sold to Benfica for a modest fee after being deemed not ready for the first team. Yet only a year later, he resurfaced as one of Europe’s hottest rising stars when Real Madrid secured his services for a staggering €50 million.

Criticism From Within: A Former Scout Speaks Up

The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Piotr Sadowski—Manchester United’s former scout who monitored Carreras from the beginning. Sadowski believes the club has lost direction in nurturing young players. According to him, selling Carreras was a sign of United’s dwindling patience and unwillingness to invest time in developing their own talent. His remarks amplified the conversation about the club’s historical struggle to manage youth progression since the post-Ferguson era.

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Carreras Showed Exceptional Work Ethic From Day One

In an interview with Przeglad Sportowy, Sadowski emphasized that Carreras had displayed strong character and dedication from the moment he joined the academy in 2020. He described Carreras as highly ambitious and remarkably adaptive, especially in mastering a new language and culture. “He came to Manchester United at around 16 years old. A very hardworking and ambitious boy; he learned the language quickly—I know because I met him personally,” Sadowski told Goal. This testimony highlights the traits that often define long-term success in professional football.

Positive Loan Spell Ignored by United’s Decision-Makers

Sadowski also recalled Carreras’ loan spell at Preston North End, where the young defender earned consistent praise for his maturity and composure on the pitch. Instead of building on his progress, United opted to offload him to Benfica for a low fee. “His career started well. He had a good loan at Preston, received positive reviews, and then United simply gave up—selling him cheaply,” Sadowski said. This decision—which seemed minor at the time—has now become a cautionary tale of short-sighted planning.

A Rapid Rise That Captured Real Madrid’s Attention

Carreras developed rapidly in Portugal, sharpening his tactical awareness and attacking instincts. His growth soon attracted Real Madrid, who saw in him the potential to anchor their left flank for years to come. His performances in La Liga, including a stunning goal against Valencia, have validated Madrid’s investment and further exposed United’s miscalculation. Many fans and analysts now regard Carreras as one of the most exciting full-backs in his age group.

A Star in the Making With World-Class Potential

Sadowski confidently described Carreras as a top-tier talent capable of becoming one of the best left-backs in world football. “Carreras is truly a top-class player. There’s a real possibility he will become the best, or one of the best, left-backs in the world,” he said. Observers have begun comparing Carreras to elite European defenders, noting his acceleration, sharp decision-making, and ability to influence play at both ends of the field.

A Stinging Reminder of Man United’s Youth Development Problem

Sadowski concluded with a pointed critique, suggesting United lacks the courage to fully trust young talent. “It was a huge mistake for United to let him go. Something was missing there, and I believe it’s the lack of courage to invest in youth,” he stated. His comment resonates with a growing sentiment among supporters who feel the club is too quick to abandon their prospects, only to watch them flourish elsewhere.

A What-If Moment That Haunts Old Trafford Supporters

Today, Carreras shines at Santiago Bernabéu, while United fans can only wonder what might have been if the club had shown more patience. As Carreras continues his upward trajectory, the decision to sell him stands as a painful reminder of how a single misjudgment can alter a club’s future—and elevate another’s.