Ruben Amorim has golden chance to sting Liverpool with cunning Man Utd transfer plot

Ruben Amorim could make himself very popular with Manchester United fans by stinging Liverpool when the transfer market reopens. The 39-year-old will already be thinking about potential targets, with the January window rapidly approaching.

United have been linked with a host of big-name players, including one they sold just a few months ago. Alvaro Carreras joined Benfica in the summer window after he was deemed surplus to requirements by former Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.

He never made a competitive appearance for United but had a loan spell at Preston, playing 42 games and claiming six assists. The defender went on to join Benfica on a temporary basis in January before they bought him in the summer.

Carreras has enjoyed a strong start to life in Portugal, establishing himself as a regular with 16 appearances in all competitions. His impressive form is said to be attracting interest from elsewhere, leading to the possibility of a January exit.

Liverpool are said to be among the clubs keen on signing Carreras when the bidding opens at the start of next year. According to AS, the Reds are encouraged by his prior experience in the English game and will look to secure his signature.

United, however, will have the opportunity to beat Liverpool in the race to land the Spaniard. When they sold him to Benfica, they inserted a buy-back clause allowing them to bring him back to Old Trafford for around £16million.

In the event Amorim decides to give Carreras another chance at United, he could sting Liverpool by activating the clause and leaving them empty-handed.

It is said that Benfica are reluctant to sell Carreras just months after bringing him to the club. However, if United opt to trigger their buy-back clause, the Portuguese giants will have no say in the matter.

Such a move would likely go down well with Red Devils supporters, who would revel in beating their Merseyside rivals to an important signing. However, questions would inevitably be asked about United’s decision to sell him in the first place.

Only time will tell if United decide to launch a move for Carreras, who recently played down the rumours over his future by insisting he was committed to Benfica.

He told Portuguese outlet Record: “I only think about Benfica. I’m only focused here. I’ll try to keep up the same level, try to help the team as much as possible. I’m just another player on the team.”