Alvaro Fernandez Carreras: Things to Know About the Exciting Young Defender
By Adam Aladay
Manchester United have already been making moves in the transfer market, but it's investment in the club's famed academy that's seemingly the order of the day.
The Red Devils appear to have already snared former Barcelona youngster Marc Jurado - with a deal expected to be confirmed soon - while an agreement now looks to be in place to prize 17-year-old Alvaro Fernandez Carreras away from the clutches from Real Madrid.
Now you're probably thinking, who the hell is this guy? And you'd be right to do so - as he's hardly a player that fits the profile of Jadon Sancho, another of United's transfer targets. What Carreras does symbolise, though, is a change in strategy from United, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to invest in young talent that can be moulded and developed for future use in the first team.
So what's this Carreras kid good at? Well, a few things as it goes - here's 90min's rundown of everything you need to know...
He's Technically Gifted
Fernandez is an adventurous left-back who looks to get forward and support attacks whenever possible. Using his speed, he enjoys making dangerous runs down the wing - linking up well with those ahead of him. But he is equally capable of coming in-field to strengthen numbers in central midfield, as players fluidly move around and rotate.
His ability to contribute in a number of different ways going forward makes him a dangerous opponent, while his positional awareness is impressive for someone so young.
He's Physically Imposing
While Carreras is naturally a very attacking full-back, he also is capable of mixing it physically. Not only is he capable in the air - standing over six foot tall - he's combative in one-on-one situations, and isn't afraid to muscle his opponents off the ball.
His reading of the game is impressive, too, and these are all qualities that are likely to improve as he gets more match experience under his belt.
His Idol Is Marcelo
There are a number of similarities between Alvaro and Marcelo in their style of play - particularly when going forward.
The Brazilian has built up a reputation over the years as being one of the world's most energetic full-backs, making lung-busting overlapping runs to unlock a defence. On Real Madrid's official website, it is noted that Fernandez's 'reference' is Marcelo - and the teenager plays with a similar intensity and energy as his idol.
Defensively, though, he appears to be a little more switched on than Marcelo - who we all know has a tendency to be out of position because he's caught up field.
Barcelona Wanted Him Before He Joined Real
Carreras' talent was clear to see from a young age, and it wasn't just Real who looked to bring him in from Deportivo in 2017. Rivals Barcelona were also keen, but Los Blancos were able to convince him to move to the capital instead.
Since then, Carreras has played for Real's Under-15s, Under-16s and Under-17s - and was considered one of the most exciting young talents at the club.
Furthermore, he was part of a select group of young players that Real Madrid have very high hopes for, alongside Bruno Iglesias and Israel Salazar.
Man City Were Also Keen
As one of the most exciting young prospects in Real's academy, it was hardly a surprise that a number of clubs from around Europe began to take notice of Fernandez's contract situation this season. However, AS reported back in May that it was actually Man Utd and Man City who were the most interested.
In fact, they both sent scouts out on numerous occasions to watch him and impressed with what they saw. However, it is the red half of Manchester who look to have got the deal done, much to the dismay of Pep Guardiola (possibly).
Why He's Joining Man Utd
Alvaro is said to have agreed a four-year deal with Man Utd and while he will join the club's youth side initially, he will also be integrated into the first team should injuries strike down the Red Devils' senior options.
Real were keen to keep hold of Carreras, but United's 'sports project' is said to have appealed more to him - and it may not be too long before Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams have a fiery young Spaniard breathing down their neck for a first team place.
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