Manchester United’s rollercoaster season is now balanced entirely on the outcome of their Europa League campaign.
Sunday’s chaotic 4-3 loss to Brentford all but ended any lingering hopes of a top-four Premier League finish, mathematically and psychologically.
With a commanding 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao from the semi-final first leg, United have one foot in the Europa League final – but Ruben Amorim won’t forget the narrow escape against Lyon in the previous round.
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The Portuguese boss, who has already hinted at squad rotation for this weekend’s league match, is firmly prioritising Thursday night in Europe over the Premier League dead rubber games.
While the season’s immediate focus is clear, attention off the pitch has shifted to the summer transfer window and potential incomings and outgoings.
One player who won’t be involved in any sort of Old Trafford homecoming, however, is Alvaro Carreras.
The 21-year-old full-back has been the subject of speculative reports linking him with a return to Manchester United or a high-profile move to Real Madrid.
But according to his agent, Gines Carvajal, those rumours are entirely fabricated.
Speaking to A Bola, Carvajal was blunt: “I don’t know where this news comes from, everything that is said in it is pure fantasy and, as such, it does not deserve any comment on my part.
“Carreras is doing very well in Benfica and will continue there.”
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Alvaro Carreras left United for Benfica in 2023 after limited first-team opportunities under Erik ten Hag.
Since moving to Lisbon, he has impressed with consistent performances and rapid development, becoming a fan favourite at Estadio da Luz.
Any thought of a return to Manchester or a move to the Santiago Bernabeu appears firmly off the table for now, with Carreras fully focused on his career in Portugal.
United’s left-back options remain an area of concern, with Luke Shaw still injury-prone and Patrick Dorgu yet to establish himself, but it appears Carreras will not be part of any solution.
For now, the club must focus on securing European silverware and preparing for what promises to be a summer of change – just not one involving a Carreras reunion.
