Manchester United may have missed out on Marc Cucurella, but the domino effect of his move to Real Madrid could hand them an unexpected chance to bring back a familiar face.
Real Madrid formally agreed a €60 million ($52 million) deal with Chelsea for Cucurella earlier this week, ending United’s interest in the left-back. The Red Devils had been linked with Cucurella as a direct competitor for Luke Shaw after Tyrell Malacia left on a free transfer this summer. Now, with that door closed, another one may have cracked open — one that leads back to Old Trafford.
According to The Touchline on X, United are internally exploring a move for Real Madrid left-back Álvaro Carreras. The 23-year-old was once a product of the United academy but left for Benfica in 2023 before Real Madrid snapped him up for around €50 million last summer. His debut campaign at the Bernabéu was mixed, and question marks have already surfaced over his long-term future in Spain.
Cucurella’s arrival complicates things further. The 27-year-old Spaniard is expected to slot in as José Mourinho’s first-choice left-back — yes, Mourinho is still managing Real Madrid in this timeline — which could leave Carreras searching for regular minutes elsewhere. Sources cited in the report say no formal approach has been made, but United are keen to understand Carreras’ situation and gauge his availability.
There’s some irony here. United previously had the chance to re-sign Carreras from Benfica via a buyback clause but chose not to trigger it. That decision suggests the club’s current brass doesn’t rate him as a top-tier option. Yet here they are, circling back. The question is whether they view him as a serious rotation piece or as a low-risk reclamation project.
Wilcox Eyes Hall as Long-Term Target
Meanwhile, United’s director of football Jason Wilcox is reportedly pushing for a move for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall. Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that United have been in contact with Hall’s representatives over the past few days. The 20-year-old Englishman fits the profile of a younger, high-upside addition who could grow into the starting role over time.
Newcastle, however, are playing hardball. The Magpies are reluctant to part with Hall, who has shown flashes of quality since arriving from Chelsea. Any deal would likely require a substantial fee and significant persuasion from United’s side.
For now, Carreras represents the more immediately attainable target — if only because Real Madrid might be willing to let him go. The former Benfica man was described as ‘very complete’ by ex-Real boss Xabi Alonso, a nod to his technical ability and tactical versatility. But at 23, he needs minutes, and Cucurella’s presence in the Spanish capital won’t make that easy.
United’s left-back situation remains fluid. Shaw’s injury history is well-documented, and the club lacks a proven deputy. Whether Carreras returns to the fold or Wilcox pivots to Hall, the next few weeks should clarify which direction the Red Devils are heading.
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