Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, with the Brazilian aware that the club is one of five potential destinations should he seek a move from the Spanish capital, according to reports in Spanish media. El Debate claims Vinicius’s representatives have advised him not to renew his current contract, which runs until 2027, to potentially secure a larger signing bonus and negotiating leverage.
Alongside United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are identified as realistic options for the 25-year-old. Vinicius has enjoyed significant success with Real Madrid, winning LaLiga three times and the Champions League twice, and is currently with the Brazilian national team preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Intermediaries have previously made contact with United regarding a potential deal in the summer of 2026, as reported by TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey in April.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is reportedly prepared to remain at Manchester United and compete for a place under manager Michael Carrick. Rashford spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa and the following season at Barcelona, but the Spanish club declined to exercise their £26 million buy-option. Despite continued interest from Barcelona, who are seeking another loan deal, United are unwilling to sanction a further temporary move and prefer to sell the England international.
Sources indicate Rashford, who previously sought an exit from Old Trafford, is now open to reintegration into the first-team squad. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has also suggested that the club’s new ownership group, INEOS, will prioritize a move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, particularly after missing out on Mateus Fernandes, who is set to join Tottenham Hotspur. Ferdinand believes United will allocate significant funds to secure Tchouameni if he becomes available.
