Manchester United are keeping a close watch on Vinícius Júnior’s uncertain future at Real Madrid, with the Brazilian winger reportedly unhappy under Xabi Alonso and declining to sign a contract extension that runs until 2027. According to CaughtOffside, the situation has alerted both United manager odds and Liverpool manager odds ahead of the January window.
Context: The Bernabéu Breakdown
Madrid’s internal concerns have grown in recent weeks after Vinícius Júnior was heard expressing frustration over repeated substitutions. In a meeting with club president Florentino Pérez, the winger allegedly complained: “Always me… it’s better if I leave.” Those comments, coupled with his refusal to negotiate new terms, have opened the door to speculation that he could be available over the next 18 months.
Manchester United have long admired Vinícius and have tracked him since his early emergence at Flamengo. Although the club have multiple rebuild priorities under Ruben Amorim, the chance to sign a world-class forward entering his prime is seen as an opportunity that may not arise again any time soon.
Amorim is believed to be frustrated with a lack of match-defining individual quality in his squad, particularly after United’s recent 1–0 defeat to Everton ended a promising run of five unbeaten games. The manager is keen to add players who can shift tight matches, and Vinícius — with his acceleration, directness and elite one-v-one ability — fits that requirement perfectly.
The Swap Deal: Fernandes or Mainoo?
Madrid are aware that any deal for the 24-year-old would be extremely expensive. Vinícius is valued at around £130 million, reflecting his global stature and commercial impact. A straight cash offer from United is considered unlikely given their need to balance squad building with budget control, but the prospect of a swap-based proposal has been floated in Spain.
Two players frequently mentioned in early discussions are Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. Fernandes, whose deal also expires in 2027, drew interest from Madrid in past windows and has recently been linked with a potential summer exit as United look to refresh the midfield. Valued above £40m, he would represent a major asset in any negotiation.
Mainoo, meanwhile, is seen as one of United’s brightest talents. Although the club rejected his loan request in the previous window, there is awareness internally that including him in a high-profile trade would dramatically alter the financial feasibility of a move for Vinícius. Mainoo is valued at around £40m but is rated substantially higher by United given his age and trajectory, making his inclusion contentious.
What Happens Next?
Any such package remains speculative at this stage, and Madrid have not signalled a willingness to negotiate in January. However, the tension between Vinícius and Xabi Alonso — driven by tactical decisions and a perceived lack of trust during key matches — has placed the winger’s long-term future firmly in doubt.
Liverpool are also monitoring developments closely, given the club’s historic admiration for the player and their previous attempts to explore his availability. But United’s need for a dynamic wide forward, combined with their search for a marquee attacking figure, positions them as one of the more attentive observers.
United will continue to monitor the situation over the winter, aware that prising Vinícius away from the Bernabéu would require one of the most complex transfer constructions in modern Premier League history. But the winger’s contractual stance — and his growing frustration — ensures that the story will not fade any time soon.