Manchester United are one of the clubs reportedly eyeing Real Madrid’s young sensation Endrik. The Brazilian prodigy, hailed as the ‘second Ronaldo’, is finding it difficult to secure regular playing time at the Bernabéu. Highly rated in his home country, the youngster signed for Los Blancos in 2022, but did not join until he turned 18 in 2024 for a whopping £52 million. He has already earned several caps for the senior national team.
Despite his immense potential, Endrik has found it difficult to break into Xabi Alonso’s front line this season, which is not surprising given he is competing for a spot with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. Endrik is reportedly keen on leaving the club, with Ruben Amorim’s side also rumored to be suitors. Express Sport explores how United’s attack could look if they were able to secure Endrick’s bold signing.
According to a report in the Sunday People, Endrick told his agent that he could be on the verge of leaving in January if he is not able to play games in the Spanish capital soon.
The report identifies United as potential suitors and suggests that Endrik could fill Amorim’s centre-forward position if a deal is completed, whether on loan or permanently.
The 19-year-old has the creativity to drop deeper when necessary, allowing his front-line partner to push forward to him and could emulate the role played by Matheus Cunha against Liverpool.
By not giving Arne Slott’s centre-back a forward who could mark him closely like potential central figure Benjamin Sesco, United were able to exploit Cunha’s adaptive positioning to stretch Liverpool’s defence. If Endrik joins the team, Sesco could be used in his place if appropriate, or make an impact as a substitute if a more direct approach is needed.
Matheus Cunha shifts to the right
Cunha put in an impressive performance against Liverpool, acknowledging his versatility and readiness to play anywhere. The £62.5m signing has already functioned as both a centre-forward and a number 10 at United. At the forefront of this dream, he will be positioned slightly deeper on the right flank.
Amorim usually places Brian Mbeumo on the right and moves Cunha deeper on the left, allowing the other wide forward to play almost alongside the striker.
However, in this scenario these positions would be reversed, with a more traditional winger who often drifts wide playing on the left, and Cunha to the right of fellow Brazilian Endrik. Cunha previously played in this position for the Wolves.
This not only adds chemistry, as Cunha and Endrick have played together on the national team, but also strengthens both sides. Currently, Amad and Mbeumo play on the right, with either Diogo Dalot or Patrick Dorg joining Cunha on the left.
If their positions were swapped, Cunha and Amad could form a dynamic duo on one side, which could be more effective given Mbemo and the Ivorian have similar styles. A new superstar winger could then shine on the left, with a more defensive wing-back providing support.
Antoine Semenyo joins the left national team
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is one of the Premier League’s most in-form talents, having scored six goals already this season and his lightning speed down the left has sparked transfer rumors. It is estimated that he could be paid in excess of £75m.
United have been rumored to sign Semenyo if he decides to leave the Cherries, and in this scenario Semenyo would be brought in to provide a strong threat on the left flank. Having a front three of Endrik, Cunha and Semenyo would give us more balance across the pitch.
A more defensive wing-back can support Semenyo, while Amad is free to dart forward with Cunha operating from deep. It’s worth noting that it would be pretty unthinkable to leave Mbeumo out of the starting XI, having performed superbly since his £65 million move from Brentford this summer.
But if Semenyo is available, it would be easy to give one of the Premier League’s top attacking talents a starting spot. Mbeumo could come off the bench, similar to Sesco, and Amorim could adjust the front three for certain games where a wider threat on the right is more suitable.
