Manchester United is one of Europe’s top clubs that is reported to be interested in Real Madrid’s Endrick, who is known as the “second Ronaldo.”
Manchester United are one of the clubs reportedly eyeing Real Madrid’s youngster Endrick. The 19-year-old has previously been hailed as the “second Ronaldo”.
Despite being a promising talent, the Brazilian has struggled to earn regular minutes at the Bernabéu. Endrick signed for the Whites in 2022, but joined in 2024, when he turned 18, for a whopping £52 million. He has already earned several caps for the senior national team.
However, it has proven difficult for Endrik to break into Xabi Alonso’s frontline this season, given that he is up against the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.
Rumor has it that Endrik is among the potential suitors who want to leave the club with Ruben Amorim’s team. Mirror Football speculates about what United’s attack could look like if they manage to secure Endrick’s ambitious deal.
Endrick starts on top
According to a report in the Sunday People, Endrik told his agent that if he doesn’t start increasing his playing time at Madrid soon, the star dubbed “the next Ronaldo” may consider leaving in January.
read more: Man United find clear path to move for striker who previously said ‘yes’
Reports have linked United as a possible destination, with Endrik potentially a perfect fit in Amorim’s centre-forward position if a deal goes through.
The 19-year-old has the creativity to drop back and advance his teammates up front when necessary, as Matheus Cunha did against Liverpool.
By not giving center back Arne Slott a close-marking forward like Benjamin Sesco, United were able to use Cunha’s adaptive positioning to stretch Liverpool’s defence.
If Endrick joins the team, Sesco could be used off the bench if a more direct approach is needed.
Matheus Cunha shifts to the right
Cunha put in an impressive performance against Liverpool and confessed that he is flexible and ready to play anywhere. The £62.5m signing has functioned as both a centre-forward and a number 10. At the forefront of this dream, he would be positioned slightly deeper on the right flank.
Amorim usually deploys Brian Mbeumo on the right flank, with Cunha dropping deeper on the left, allowing another 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 will not only add chemistry, but also strengthen both sides, as Cunha and Endrick have played together on the national team. 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, but that might be more effective given Mbemo and the Ivorian’s potentially too similar styles. A new superstar winger could then shine on the left, with a more defensive wing-back providing support.
Antoine Semenyo introduced on the left side
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is currently one of the hottest players in the Premier League. He has already scored six goals this season and his blistering speed down the left has sparked transfer rumors. It is thought he could be paid more than £75m.
United have been linked with Semenyo and in this scenario he would be brought in to provide a lethal threat on the left. The front three of Endrik, Cunha and Semenyo will maintain balance throughout the pitch.
A more defensive wing-back could support Semenyo, while Amad could move forward with Cunha playing deeper. It is worth noting that Mbeumo, who arrived from Brentford for £65m this summer and has made an excellent start to the season, is unlikely to be left out of the starting XI.
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, while Amorim could adjust the front three for certain games where a wider threat on the right is needed.
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