It has been years since Manchester United and Liverpool were real rivals. Manchester United struggled with constant roster turnover and calls for improvement “because it’s Manchester United,” while Liverpool romped to three Champions League finals, a Premier League, and numerous title contests.
Among their numerous past failures is their transfer business and incapacity to assemble a competitive, long-lasting team. Alvaro Carreras, a left-back who was sent on loan to Preston after making 0 appearances for Manchester United, is one of the numerous names on the list. Carreras excelled throughout his loan stints at Granada and Benfica, eventually becoming the starting left-back for Benfica. Even with Sofyan Amrabat playing left back last season, Manchester United is still having trouble finding a replacement for Luke Shaw due to his injury issues.
He was only transferred for €6 million at the close of the last campaign, but in Benfica’s last seven games, he has taken the reins and run with it after being granted a starting position because of injuries. Carreras’ spectacular effort during the Portuguese team’s 4-0 Champions League thrashing of Atletico Madrid last week was the high point of his season thus far. A successor to Robertson? Carreras is reportedly being considered by Liverpool as a possible replacement for Andy Robertson, according to Spanish publication Diario AS.
It is beginning to seem as though Robertson is nearing the end of his time at Liverpool. Although Robertson is unquestionably Liverpool’s main left-back, a successor will be required sooner rather than later due to head coach Arne Slot’s readiness to use Kostas Tsimikas more and more as Robertson cuts a dissatisfied figure off the pitch. Despite the fact that neither player has scored a goal this season, Carreras’ fundamental statistics remain encouraging. This season, he has 0.8 anticipated assists, which indicates that he has not finished many of the opportunities that he has been given. This season, he has more advanced passes, carries, and receptions per-90 than Robertson, suggesting that the inventiveness of Robbo’s play—which we have grown to love—will be maintained. Additionally, he has far outpaced Robertson in terms of shot-creating actions per 90 this year, with 3.77 against 2.28 for Robbo. On defence, Carreras outperforms Robertson with 2.95 tackle and interception rates per 90, and 63.6% tackle success rate versus 50% for Robertson. At just 21, he has a strong physical presence and might wait for Robertson to start playing a supporting role. Manchester United’s loss might, as usual, be Liverpool’s gain.
