Jose Mourinho pushes Endrick to Man Utd as bizarre Real Madrid plan revealed

30 Sept 2026 21:01 BST 3 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is mulling over a decision that could have huge ramifications for the future of Endrick amid interest from Manchester United and other suitors.

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The Brazil international has struggled for minutes at Real Madrid after suffering an unfortunate injury for the second season running. Last year, he missed most of pre-season under Xabi Alonso and was forced to play catch-up. He was ultimately sent out on loan to Lyon in January.

It's been a similar story this year. Just when it looked as though Endrick would have a big role to play under new boss Mourinho, he suffered an injury and slipped below new signing Carlos Espi in the pecking order.

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Having only recently recovered from his fitness problem, Endrick has played just four minutes for Real Madrid this term. Despite this, he has featured prominently for Brazil in this international break, racking up 110 minutes and an assist across two friendlies with Australia.

Whether this encouraging development will allow him to kick on upon his return to Real Madrid is doubtful. According to the latest reports coming out of Spain, he potentially faces being overlooked yet again.

Mbappe decision could push Endrick out

Real Madrid-linked AS has reported extensively on the club's personnel situation in recent days, and there has naturally been a focus on superstar forward Kylian Mbappe, who suffered an injury while scoring for France against Turkey last week.

While the worst-case scenario of a long-term problem has reportedly been avoided, it is currently unclear whether Mbappe will be fit in time for Real Madrid's LaLiga return against Villarreal on 10 October.

Because of this uncertainty, manager Mourinho is mulling over who to start in the Frenchman's absence. The logical choice would be either Espi or Endrick, given that both are natural strikers.

However, they are apparently not the only names Mourinho is considering. It is claimed that the legendary manager is also open to the idea of playing midfielder Jude Bellingham as a false nine, similar to how the Englishman was used during his incredible first season at the club in 2023/24.

Such a decision would certainly cause a stir, as it would effectively confirm that Mourinho does not trust Endrick. This would, in turn, increase the likelihood of another January exit, which is increasingly becoming a topic of discussion.

Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid could allow Endrick to go out on loan again, with Man Utd and AC Milan possible destinations, although it remains to be seen whether the 20-year-old is prepared to only leave temporarily again or whether he wants out permanently.

Both Man Utd and Milan are in the market for a striker. On Tuesday, it was claimed that adding a new centre-forward in January had become a priority for the Red Devils. Besides Endrick, Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta is also under consideration at Old Trafford.

As for Milan, they shattered their club record on Goncalo Ramos in the summer, but still want more options in that position. They have been linked with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, but Endrick has been deemed a "more plausible option."