Man Utd ask Real Madrid about Endrick – Mourinho makes instant decision

12 Aug 2026 08:02 BST | 4 min read

Endrick, Brazil, 2026 World Cup — © IMAGO

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Manchester United’s desire to increase Michael Carrick’s attacking options has seen the Red Devils ask Real Madrid about the availability of Endrick, according to reports from Spain.

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United have been in the market for an additional attacking player, though with Marcus Rashford now set to remain at the club, their need in this area of the field is undoubtedly lessened.

However, they asked Real Madrid about the possibility of signing Endrick only to be knocked back by manager Jose Mourinho, AS reports.

Current ETV

Endrick

F (C)

Real Madrid

Endrick

F (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€28.5M - €34.8M

Mourinho takes Endrick off the market

Endrick was thought to be on the market after only making three substitute appearances for Real Madrid in the first half of last season, which was his second at the club. This prompted him to leave on loan for Lyon in the January transfer window, though his form in France was mixed as he scored eight goals across 21 appearances.

New Real Madrid boss Mourinho, though, has told Endrick that he is firmly in his plans, despite the 20-year-old Brazilian being behind Kylian Mbappe in the race to be Real Madrid’s centre-forward, while he also faces a new challenge from Carlos Espi, who had a formidable strike rate for Levante last season.

It may be, however, that Mourinho is planning to use Endrick off the right, where he thrives in cutting in off the wing to shoot with his left foot.

However, opportunities for the Brazil international are likely to be limited again once more, particularly with Los Blancos adding club-record signing Yan Diomande to their attacking line.

What does this mean for Man Utd's transfer plans?

Having been knocked back for Endrick, Man Utd are set to focus on other areas of their side. In part, this is due to Rashford being retained by the club, which is something that Carrick hadn’t planned for.

But it gives the Red Devils the opportunity to focus on the two existing problem areas that they have.

Firstly, they want additional cover at left-back to provide competition for Luke Shaw. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was the big target that United had in mind, though with the Magpies having already sold Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes this summer, they have no appetite to allow another key first-team starter to leave.

The other deal that United are working on is for a third central midfield player. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos might already have been recruited, but with Casemiro having left and Manuel Ugarte laid up long-term injured, there is a desire for another player to increase the depth in that part of the squad.

A move for another attacker, such as Endrick, has been shelved for now, but any late surprises in the market could see United reactivate old tracks – such as this one.