Why Man United could be handed chance to sign Endrick from Real Madrid in January

Manchester United's underwhelming start to the 2026/27 campaign could tempt them to return to the transfer market in the winter. The Red Devils have just one win in their first four Premier League games and are languishing in 13th place in the league table.

The English giants were outstanding under Michael Carrick in the second half of last season and were expected to hit a higher gear after a summer of investment. United spent over £150 million to refurbish their midfield, bringing in Andrey Santos , Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba .

A new left-back was on the agenda all summer, but the Red Devils also wanted to add more firepower to their attack to cover for Benjamin Sesko . Several candidates were considered for the job from the Premier League and abroad.

One of them was Real Madrid 's Endrick , who has been on United's wish list for a while and had struggled for prominence at the Santiago Bernabeu last season.

Endrick's struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu

Endrick has failed to nail down a regular place in the starting XI since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2024. The Brazilian managed seven goals and one assist in 37 appearances in all competitions under former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

However, Endrick struggled for prominence under the Italian's successor, Xabi Alonso, managing just three appearances in the first half of last season. The young striker ultimately decided to leave on loan in January, and United were among the clubs interested.

The Brazilian went on to join Lyon on a six-month deal and was very impressive in Ligue 1. Endrick registered eight goals and eight assists from 21 appearances, prompting renewed interest in his signature this summer.

The Red Devils were linked once again at the end of last season, but the player ended up staying at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, it now appears that the English giants could have the chance to prise him away at the turn of the year.

According to AS , Endrick was close to joining AS Roma this summer, but was convinced to stay by new manager Jose Mourinho. The report states: "Endrick had all but sealed his move to Roma during the last transfer window, aware that opportunities at Real Madrid would be few and far between in this new phase, particularly following the signing of Yan Diomande by the Whites."

"But José Mourinho intervened and asked that the Brazilian not leave the club; he was very pleased with his performance in pre-season and felt he could be very useful, particularly whilst Rodrygo is still recovering (which is not expected to be until January 2027)."

If the Brazilian was hoping for a regular run in the team this season, he has been left disappointed. Endrick has been afforded just four minutes of first-team action this season, although he did miss the first four games of the season with a muscle injury.

However, the arrival of Yan Diomande, coupled with Carlos Espi, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz 's good form, has seen the 20 year old drop further down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior also in the mix, Endrick's situation may not improve in the coming months.

That could open the door for a departure in the winter, so United could have the opportunity to secure his signature if they so desire. The report adds: "Endrick took the manager's word for it and stayed… and since then, nothing has gone the way he expected."

"He did so knowing that if things didn't work out, he could reassess his situation in January and go out on loan, as he did last season with that successful loan spell at Lyon that took him all the way to the World Cup."

United have scored 11 goals in their five games this season, but failed to find the back of the net against Manchester City as well as Hull City in the Premier League. As such, the Red Devils could be tempted to make a move for Endrick in January if he becomes available.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment Overall credibility: 7/10 Why?

✅ AS has a decent track record with Real Madrid news.✅ Endrick has struggled for game time at the Santiago Bernabeu.⚠️ This feels more like speculation from the Spanish outlet than a view from the player's camp.