So the club we signed him from are now buying him back?
They’re even worse than us
Quite a lot of informed watchers outside the club suggested that, while he was a genuine talent, he lacked the pace to be a top full back in the PL. If that was the assessment, it's quite possible that in the alternative timeline where he stayed at the club, he didn't excel and didn't become the £50m+ player he is today. We could definitely have done with him the season all of our LBs became cripples, for sure, but at the point where the decision was made there was an expectation coming from the medical department that Shaw and Malacia would be back soon, and a likelihood that Alvaro would not get the minutes he needed in order to develop.
I think there was also a dawning realisation that in our recruitment decisions over recent years, we'd let the squad lag behind PL average in terms of athleticism. And an understanding that we hadn't been decisive enough in cashing in on academy players at the right time. So perhaps there was a reasonable idea that we should take opportunities to put players in the window if they were talented but maybe not quick enough to be high value in the PL.
In hindsight, we really could have done with him around, and it's always gutting to see a talented academy graduate not getting chances. I do think there was probably a solid thought process though. There's always an element of guess-work (e.g. we could be having the same conversation about Iqbal if he were tearing it up in Holland right now). And I don't think any of us know for a fact he'd have made himself a fixture in the United XI, or would be generating more profit this summer, if he had stayed.
comment by Tony Le Mesmer (U1449)
posted 4 minutes ago
So the club we signed him from are now buying him back?
They’re even worse than us
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They have money, and are not sheite. They have an excuse. What is ours?
Second of our young players to be sold for over 50 million. Might become 3 when we finally sell Garnacho
Why is it so hard for people to understand that just because a player is talented doesn't mean the situation was the right one for them to develop into their full potential because of varying factors. Stop playing Football Manager.
BTW I wonder if Harry Amass is our next Alvaro. Clearly a significant talent and more technically refined than Dorgu, but I think he'll need to undergo quite a physical transformation to become first choice at United.
It doesn’t always work with the timing of a player and where they are in their development, Elanga for one was the right move at the time.
I find it hard to believe though that even before Malacia got injured, we were better off signing him than just giving Alvaro regular game time whenever Shaw was injured.
I don't know a lot about him but have seen highlights.
I'm astounded we signed Dorgu for the money we did if we had the option to take back Alvaro.
The player has to want to actually go, even on a buy back option.
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 9 minutes ago
It doesn’t always work with the timing of a player and where they are in their development, Elanga for one was the right move at the time.
I find it hard to believe though that even before Malacia got injured, we were better off signing him than just giving Alvaro regular game time whenever Shaw was injured.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I find it hard to believe anybody actually thought Malecia was good enough for the PL.
Dorgu definitely suits what Amorim wants from a LWB more than Alvaros style, but whether what Amorim wants is the best for us is to be debated still.
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 4 minutes ago
Dorgu definitely suits what Amorim wants from a LWB more than Alvaros style, but whether what Amorim wants is the best for us is to be debated still.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I did see glimpses toward the end of last season from Dorgu, getting into the final third and finding space.
He seemingly lacks the ability to do anything with the ball once he gets there though.
comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 10 minutes ago
I don't know a lot about him but have seen highlights.
I'm astounded we signed Dorgu for the money we did if we had the option to take back Alvaro.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Why would he want to come back to a club that never gave him a go?
2. You can be sure Madrid were in his ear prior to January.
Dorgu produced a good number of decent crosses and pull backs. Some of them connected and Garnacho/Hojlund failed to finish. Sometimes the movement was lacking. He could easily have ended up with 3-4 assists.
There will always be instances were players leave clubs and do better elsewhere for a number of reasons.
I think the issue for Utd in respect of this is that anyone who leave seems to do better elsewhere (unlike in the past when leaving Utd was generally seen as a 'downward step' and anyone we bring in doesn't seem to have done very well.
In this case, the only thing i would say is that AC never got a proper chance with us - 'experts' might say that he didn't suit the EPL etc, but I would have liked to have seen 'the proof in the pudding', rather than just the theory.
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 26 minutes ago
BTW I wonder if Harry Amass is our next Alvaro. Clearly a significant talent and more technically refined than Dorgu, but I think he'll need to undergo quite a physical transformation to become first choice at United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, I suspect so.
The PL is becoming more and more about strength, pace and athleticism more generally, and I can see Amass ending up in Spain or Italy unless he explodes physically in the next 24 mths or so.
We’re more likely to see the likes of a Kamason than an Amass break through nowadays.
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 6 minutes ago
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(I've seen contradictory reports on who took part in first team training yesterday, but it seems like Mantato was involved, Kamason not.)
Can't wait for preseason when our fans cream their pants on some youth players and claim they're good enough for the first team after we beat Everton 2-1 in Atlanta.
comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 8 minutes ago
Can't wait for preseason when our fans cream their pants on some youth players and claim they're good enough for the first team after we beat Everton 2-1 in Atlanta.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I reserve the right to do exactly this
Redasrussiantomatoes
Typical.
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Dorgu produced a good number of decent crosses and pull backs. Some of them connected and Garnacho/Hojlund failed to finish. Sometimes the movement was lacking. He could easily have ended up with 3-4 assists.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I haven't given up on Dorgu, but he seems erratic and lacks composure in both ends of the pitch. He's young though, that may come.
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 55 minutes ago
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a favourite, if that’s what you mean, being Kamason.
Mantato has better feet, his link up play is superior, and he’s going to be more useful in patient build up in the final third.
But it’s hard not to enjoy watching Kamason, the same way that watching Brandon was fun: he’s fearless, he’s direct, he just wants to drive forwards and either get to the byline or get a shot off. Basically, he plays a bit like a ten year-old fullback who really wants to be a winger (said with tongue in cheek).
If we can refine him a little - by which I mean work on those ball skills, rather than try to curb what seems to be his unadulterated sheer joy at getting the wind in his hair and his adrenaline flowing - then he might be a player. (I suspect we’ll do quite the opposite though, and turn him into a boring robot version of his current untidy self. Because that’s what we do, innit.)
comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 18 minutes ago
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Dorgu produced a good number of decent crosses and pull backs. Some of them connected and Garnacho/Hojlund failed to finish. Sometimes the movement was lacking. He could easily have ended up with 3-4 assists.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I haven't given up on Dorgu, but he seems erratic and lacks composure in both ends of the pitch. He's young though, that may come.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As I see it, we have many first choice or squad players who are not good enough, and massive restrictions on what we can spend. So we either renew the squad at a pace of two or three players per year by paying a premium for buying proven quality or we accept that we have to buy some players based on a bet we can realise as yet unfulfilled potential. If we're signed up to the latter (and we should be if we're realistic about improving anytime soon), we should be ready for some of our new players to take time to develop and bed in. And maybe not dismiss them a few months into their United career!
comment by EVERYTHING’S POTE! (U17054)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 55 minutes ago
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a favourite, if that’s what you mean, being Kamason.
Mantato has better feet, his link up play is superior, and he’s going to be more useful in patient build up in the final third.
But it’s hard not to enjoy watching Kamason, the same way that watching Brandon was fun: he’s fearless, he’s direct, he just wants to drive forwards and either get to the byline or get a shot off. Basically, he plays a bit like a ten year-old fullback who really wants to be a winger (said with tongue in cheek).
If we can refine him a little - by which I mean work on those ball skills, rather than try to curb what seems to be his unadulterated sheer joy at getting the wind in his hair and his adrenaline flowing - then he might be a player. (I suspect we’ll do quite the opposite though, and turn him into a boring robot version of his current untidy self. Because that’s what we do, innit.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I accept your characterisations and kind of prefer Mantato. But which one, if either, can make an impact in the senior squad I have no idea.
Sign in if you want to comment
Alvaro Carreras
Page 1 of 2
posted on 9/7/25
So the club we signed him from are now buying him back?
They’re even worse than us
posted on 9/7/25
Quite a lot of informed watchers outside the club suggested that, while he was a genuine talent, he lacked the pace to be a top full back in the PL. If that was the assessment, it's quite possible that in the alternative timeline where he stayed at the club, he didn't excel and didn't become the £50m+ player he is today. We could definitely have done with him the season all of our LBs became cripples, for sure, but at the point where the decision was made there was an expectation coming from the medical department that Shaw and Malacia would be back soon, and a likelihood that Alvaro would not get the minutes he needed in order to develop.
I think there was also a dawning realisation that in our recruitment decisions over recent years, we'd let the squad lag behind PL average in terms of athleticism. And an understanding that we hadn't been decisive enough in cashing in on academy players at the right time. So perhaps there was a reasonable idea that we should take opportunities to put players in the window if they were talented but maybe not quick enough to be high value in the PL.
In hindsight, we really could have done with him around, and it's always gutting to see a talented academy graduate not getting chances. I do think there was probably a solid thought process though. There's always an element of guess-work (e.g. we could be having the same conversation about Iqbal if he were tearing it up in Holland right now). And I don't think any of us know for a fact he'd have made himself a fixture in the United XI, or would be generating more profit this summer, if he had stayed.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by Tony Le Mesmer (U1449)
posted 4 minutes ago
So the club we signed him from are now buying him back?
They’re even worse than us
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They have money, and are not sheite. They have an excuse. What is ours?
Second of our young players to be sold for over 50 million. Might become 3 when we finally sell Garnacho
posted on 9/7/25
Ten Hags legacy
posted on 9/7/25
Why is it so hard for people to understand that just because a player is talented doesn't mean the situation was the right one for them to develop into their full potential because of varying factors. Stop playing Football Manager.
posted on 9/7/25
BTW I wonder if Harry Amass is our next Alvaro. Clearly a significant talent and more technically refined than Dorgu, but I think he'll need to undergo quite a physical transformation to become first choice at United.
posted on 9/7/25
It doesn’t always work with the timing of a player and where they are in their development, Elanga for one was the right move at the time.
I find it hard to believe though that even before Malacia got injured, we were better off signing him than just giving Alvaro regular game time whenever Shaw was injured.
posted on 9/7/25
I don't know a lot about him but have seen highlights.
I'm astounded we signed Dorgu for the money we did if we had the option to take back Alvaro.
posted on 9/7/25
The player has to want to actually go, even on a buy back option.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 9 minutes ago
It doesn’t always work with the timing of a player and where they are in their development, Elanga for one was the right move at the time.
I find it hard to believe though that even before Malacia got injured, we were better off signing him than just giving Alvaro regular game time whenever Shaw was injured.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I find it hard to believe anybody actually thought Malecia was good enough for the PL.
posted on 9/7/25
Dorgu definitely suits what Amorim wants from a LWB more than Alvaros style, but whether what Amorim wants is the best for us is to be debated still.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by FFS Mike. (U1170)
posted 4 minutes ago
Dorgu definitely suits what Amorim wants from a LWB more than Alvaros style, but whether what Amorim wants is the best for us is to be debated still.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I did see glimpses toward the end of last season from Dorgu, getting into the final third and finding space.
He seemingly lacks the ability to do anything with the ball once he gets there though.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 10 minutes ago
I don't know a lot about him but have seen highlights.
I'm astounded we signed Dorgu for the money we did if we had the option to take back Alvaro.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Why would he want to come back to a club that never gave him a go?
2. You can be sure Madrid were in his ear prior to January.
posted on 9/7/25
Dorgu produced a good number of decent crosses and pull backs. Some of them connected and Garnacho/Hojlund failed to finish. Sometimes the movement was lacking. He could easily have ended up with 3-4 assists.
posted on 9/7/25
There will always be instances were players leave clubs and do better elsewhere for a number of reasons.
I think the issue for Utd in respect of this is that anyone who leave seems to do better elsewhere (unlike in the past when leaving Utd was generally seen as a 'downward step' and anyone we bring in doesn't seem to have done very well.
In this case, the only thing i would say is that AC never got a proper chance with us - 'experts' might say that he didn't suit the EPL etc, but I would have liked to have seen 'the proof in the pudding', rather than just the theory.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 26 minutes ago
BTW I wonder if Harry Amass is our next Alvaro. Clearly a significant talent and more technically refined than Dorgu, but I think he'll need to undergo quite a physical transformation to become first choice at United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, I suspect so.
The PL is becoming more and more about strength, pace and athleticism more generally, and I can see Amass ending up in Spain or Italy unless he explodes physically in the next 24 mths or so.
We’re more likely to see the likes of a Kamason than an Amass break through nowadays.
posted on 9/7/25
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
posted on 9/7/25
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 6 minutes ago
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(I've seen contradictory reports on who took part in first team training yesterday, but it seems like Mantato was involved, Kamason not.)
posted on 9/7/25
Can't wait for preseason when our fans cream their pants on some youth players and claim they're good enough for the first team after we beat Everton 2-1 in Atlanta.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 8 minutes ago
Can't wait for preseason when our fans cream their pants on some youth players and claim they're good enough for the first team after we beat Everton 2-1 in Atlanta.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I reserve the right to do exactly this
posted on 9/7/25
Redasrussiantomatoes
Typical.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Dorgu produced a good number of decent crosses and pull backs. Some of them connected and Garnacho/Hojlund failed to finish. Sometimes the movement was lacking. He could easily have ended up with 3-4 assists.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I haven't given up on Dorgu, but he seems erratic and lacks composure in both ends of the pitch. He's young though, that may come.
posted on 9/7/25
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 55 minutes ago
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a favourite, if that’s what you mean, being Kamason.
Mantato has better feet, his link up play is superior, and he’s going to be more useful in patient build up in the final third.
But it’s hard not to enjoy watching Kamason, the same way that watching Brandon was fun: he’s fearless, he’s direct, he just wants to drive forwards and either get to the byline or get a shot off. Basically, he plays a bit like a ten year-old fullback who really wants to be a winger (said with tongue in cheek).
If we can refine him a little - by which I mean work on those ball skills, rather than try to curb what seems to be his unadulterated sheer joy at getting the wind in his hair and his adrenaline flowing - then he might be a player. (I suspect we’ll do quite the opposite though, and turn him into a boring robot version of his current untidy self. Because that’s what we do, innit.)
posted on 9/7/25
comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 18 minutes ago
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Dorgu produced a good number of decent crosses and pull backs. Some of them connected and Garnacho/Hojlund failed to finish. Sometimes the movement was lacking. He could easily have ended up with 3-4 assists.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I haven't given up on Dorgu, but he seems erratic and lacks composure in both ends of the pitch. He's young though, that may come.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As I see it, we have many first choice or squad players who are not good enough, and massive restrictions on what we can spend. So we either renew the squad at a pace of two or three players per year by paying a premium for buying proven quality or we accept that we have to buy some players based on a bet we can realise as yet unfulfilled potential. If we're signed up to the latter (and we should be if we're realistic about improving anytime soon), we should be ready for some of our new players to take time to develop and bed in. And maybe not dismiss them a few months into their United career!
posted on 9/7/25
comment by EVERYTHING’S POTE! (U17054)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 55 minutes ago
Rosso, do you have a view of Kamason vs Mantato in terms of wing back options from the academy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a favourite, if that’s what you mean, being Kamason.
Mantato has better feet, his link up play is superior, and he’s going to be more useful in patient build up in the final third.
But it’s hard not to enjoy watching Kamason, the same way that watching Brandon was fun: he’s fearless, he’s direct, he just wants to drive forwards and either get to the byline or get a shot off. Basically, he plays a bit like a ten year-old fullback who really wants to be a winger (said with tongue in cheek).
If we can refine him a little - by which I mean work on those ball skills, rather than try to curb what seems to be his unadulterated sheer joy at getting the wind in his hair and his adrenaline flowing - then he might be a player. (I suspect we’ll do quite the opposite though, and turn him into a boring robot version of his current untidy self. Because that’s what we do, innit.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I accept your characterisations and kind of prefer Mantato. But which one, if either, can make an impact in the senior squad I have no idea.
Page 1 of 2