Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Alvaro Fernandez, Manchester United, Benfica, Erik Ten Hag, Real Madrid, Football
Marcus Chan
Topics: Alvaro Fernandez, Manchester United, Benfica, Erik Ten Hag, Real Madrid, Football
Erik ten Hag has been blamed for a transfer blunder that has cost Manchester United millions.
Back in April 2022, United appointed Dutchman Ten Hag as their new manager, taking over from Ralf Rangnick.
Despite an impressive record at Ajax, Ten Hag largely struggled at Old Trafford, but did manage to win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
In October 2024, after an awful start to the Premier League season, Ten Hag was sacked and replaced by Ruben Amorim.
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During Ten Hag's tenure, United spent big money on players like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro and Mason Mount.
Meanwhile, players like David de Gea, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Andreas Pereira all left the club during Ten Hag's time in charge.
However, there is one transfer that ended up costing United millions; the player in question is full-back Alvaro Carreras.
In January 2024, United sent Carreras to Portuguese side Benfica on loan, with a buy-clause valued at €6 million plus a potential €3 million in add-ons.
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A year later, after putting in impressive performances for Benfica, Carreras attracted interest from Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid.
During this summer's transfer window, Carreras was sold by Benfica to Madrid for a reported fee of €50 million.
In addition, according to TEAMtalk, Madrid now believe the 22-year-old is worth around €80 million.
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Things may well have been very different if Carreras was given more chances to impress by Ten Hag.
Speaking about Carreras, Madrid boss Xabi Alonso said: "His personality and competitive nature have pleasantly surprised me.
"He makes very few mistakes, he is very focused, he has great mental quality, great tactical and technical quality too, he is very complete. The instant impact he has had is surprising; it is fantastic news."
So far in the 25/26 season, Carreras has made a total of seven appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos, but he is yet to score or assist a goal.
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Madrid will be back in La Liga action this weekend when they take on bitter rivals Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday afternoon.