Álvaro Fernández Carreras

Álvaro Fernández Carreras is a Spanish left-back born in Ferrol on 23 March 2003. He began at Galicia de Caranza and Racing de Ferrol before joining Deportivo de La Coruña in 2012, where he moved from forward to defence. In 2017, Fernández entered Real Madrid’s academy and progressed to the Under-17s. He signed for Manchester United in September 2020, developing with the club’s under-23 side and winning its Denzil Haroun Under-23 Player of the Year award in 2022. Loans at Preston North End, Granada CF and Benfica then provided senior experience, with Fernández making 42 appearances for Preston and earning the club’s Young Player of the Year award. At Benfica, he became a regular starter, helped win the 2024–25 League Cup and was selected for the Liga Portugal Best XI. Fernández returned to Real Madrid in 2025, where his left-footed build-up, progressive carrying and defensive work have featured prominently.