Álvaro Carreras

Álvaro Fernández Carreras (born 23 March 2003) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Primeira Liga club Benfica.

Club career
Born in Ferrol, Fernández started his career with Galicia de Caranza, Racing de Ferrol and Deportivo de La Coruña, before joining Real Madrid in 2017.

Manchester United
Fernández signed for Manchester United from Real Madrid in September 2020 on a four-year contract, amid interest from other European clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City. He began training with the first team during the early stages of the 2021–22 season.

Fernández was a regular for the under-23 team in his first season at Manchester United, making 20 league appearances and one in the EFL Trophy, as well as seven for the under-18s, and two in the FA Youth Cup. He then played 21 times in the league in 2021–22, all as a starter, as well as playing in all three EFL Trophy matches and six of the seven in the UEFA Youth League. He received his first call-up to the Manchester United first team in April 2022, when he was named on the bench for the Premier League match at home to Chelsea. He was also named on the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion.

On 11 May 2022, Fernández was named Manchester United's U23 Player of the Year. He departed the club in 2024 before making his debut for the senior team.

Preston North End (loan)
On 26 July 2022, Fernández joined EFL Championship club Preston North End on loan for the duration of the 2022–23 season. Fernández made his debut on 30 July 2022, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Robbie Brady in a 0–0 draw away at Wigan Athletic.

Granada (loan)
On 1 September 2023, Fernández joined La Liga club Granada on a season-long loan. On 14 January 2024, he was recalled by Manchester United.

Benfica
On 17 January 2024, Manchester United sent Fernández on loan to Primeira Liga club Benfica until the end of the 2023–24 season. The loan deal included an optional buy-clause, reported to be €6 million, which became mandatory if he started 50% of Benfica's remaining games during the loan spell.

Seven days later, Fernández made his debut for Benfica, coming on as a second-half substitute in the Taça da Liga semi-final against Estoril; the game ended 1–1, with Benfica being subsequently eliminated by penalty shootout. On 4 February, he made his Primeira Liga debut, coming off the bench to replace Morato during the second half of a 3–0 victory over Gil Vicente at the Estádio da Luz.

On 26 May 2024, Manchester United announced that Benfica had exercised the €6 million buy option in Fernández's loan contract, which included €3 million in potential add-ons. Subsequently, he signed a new contract with Benfica until 2029.

International career
Fernández has played youth international football for Spain at under-19 and under-21 levels. He made his debut for the under-19 team on 26 October 2021, when he started in a friendly match against Israel.

Honours

 * Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year: 2021–22
 * Preston North End Young Player of the Year: 2022–23