New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim identifies first major transfer target: Reports

Incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has allegedly earmarked Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras as a major transfer target.

Carreras, who spent time at the Red Devils between 2020 and 2024, has relished a fine start to the 2024-25 season at Benfica. The 21-year-old has started 12 of his 14 appearances across competitions this season, scoring one goal and registering two assists so far.

The former Real Madrid youth star joined Benfica on an initial short-term loan deal earlier this January. He left Manchester United for a sum of around £5 million after featuring in 16 total matches last campaign.

Now, according to former Benfica defender Alvaro Magalhaes, Amorim is all set to add Carreras to his Red Devils squad in the upcoming winter transfer window. He told Record (h/t The Hard Tackle):

"I fear that Ruben Amorim wants him at Manchester United. It seems to me that he has the quality to be one of the first options and looking at the squad, I believe that with the new coaching staff he could become a possibility again, especially because the new coach knows him very well based on what he saw from him at Benfica."

Should Carreras secure a move back to his former club next January, he could pop up as a key starter for them. He would push Luke Shaw down the pecking order to play in the new head coach's 3-4-2-1 setup.

Carreras, who has a deal until June 2029 at Benfica, recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 62 total age-group games for the Red Devils.

Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte reveals teammates' response to Ruben Amorim's age

Speaking to DAZN, Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte shed light on his teammates' reaction to learning more about Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim. He said (h/t Metro):

"My teammates have asked a lot about him. What surprised them was his age. He's also very hungry to win and that's very important. I can tell he'll enjoy it. [The players' reaction has been] positive, mainly because the club needs to start building a path, which is important, and the coach will be key to that."

Ugarte, who left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a potential £51 million switch earlier this summer, has made nine overall appearances for United.

Prior to joining PSG in 2023, Ugarte played under Amorim at Sporting. He featured in 85 total games under the 39-year-old Portuguese coach.