Man Utd sold player for £8m last year who is now worth more than Mason Mount

Alvaro Carreras was sold by Manchester United to Benfica for £7.8m in May 2024, but the left-back has since joined Read Madrid and seen his value increase significantly after making an instant impact

Alvaro Carreras continues to receive praise from Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso as the former Manchester United player's transfer market value soars. Carreras was a United player from 2020 until 2024 after joining their academy from Madrid's.

The left-back never featured in a first-team match for the Red Devils and was sent on loan to Preston North End and Granada before a subsequent stint at Benfica rejuvenated his career. Following an impressive half-season in Portugal, Carreras joined them on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024 for €6m plus a potential €3m in add-ons (£7.8m).

His maiden full campaign in Portugal turned out to be a success and Real decided to act swiftly and secured the full-back's services. Now returned to the Spanish capital, Carreras has been making his mark and Alonso cannot resist lauding the former United player.

"I was optimistic [about his signing]," Alonso told the media on Monday. "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.

"We also have Fran [Garcia] and Ferland [Mendy] for that position, but his performance is excellent." Carreras hasn't missed a single minute in La Liga for Los Blancos this season, and that form has resulted in his value skyrocketing.

Transfermarkt values Carreras at £31million after being snapped up by Real for £38million in the summer. Meanwhile, United's ever-present full-back Diogo Dalot is only worth £26million in the current market.

That is the same as Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee. As for Patrick Dorgu, signed by Ruben Amorim as the first choice for the left flank, he is currently valued at £22million, the same as Noussair Mazraoui. After Carreras' summer move to Madrid, United did manage to pocket an extra £7.5m due to their sell-on clause, but they might end up ruing his sale.

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