Vinicius Junior could be available to sign from Real Madrid this summer, and Manchester United are one of the only clubs with the financial power to make it happen.
With Real Madrid pushing to sign Manchester United-linked Yan Diomande this summer, it could pave the way for Vinicius Junior to leave the Spanish giants.
Vini Jr’s contract at Madrid expires in 2027, so they are open to selling him this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent next year.
United were linked to Vini Jr last year and rumours have resurfaced this summer with the Red Devils in the market for a left winger if Marcus Rashford leaves.
However, Ineos should be avoiding the Brazilian winger at all costs.
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Signing Vini Jr would be a disaster for Manchester United
Vini Jr is one of the biggest names in world football following his breakthrough at Madrid. In the 2026 World Cup, he scored four goals in five games.
Last season, he picked up 36 goals and assists for Madrid across all competitions.
So, where does my concern stem from?
The simple answer is his defensive work rate.
United have crafted superstar teams over the past decade, and fans were left scratching their heads wondering why it never worked out. The reality is that superstar forwards rarely like to do the dirty work.
As per data analysis platform ScoutLab, Vinicius Junior ranks in the bottom 9% of all wingers for his defensive work.
Incredibly, the 26-year-old didn’t win a single aerial duel in the 2025/26 La Liga season. Vini Jr ranks in the bottom 1% for threat prevented and aerial duels won compared to other wingers.
His ground duel win percentage of just 38% is also a big concern.
That doesn’t even touch on Vini Jr’s attitude issues. Madrid legend Toni Kroos warned Vini Jr about his toxic behaviour during his time at the club, believing that his actions was causing the entire team to be “harmed”.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe promised United fans he wouldn’t sign superstars, but instead focus on creating them at Old Trafford. Signing Vinicius Junior would go against everything he said.
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Let Arsenal make the Vinicius Junior mistake
United have the advantage of knowing how superstar signings can backfire, especially when trying to build a title-winning team.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are showing serious interest in trying to sign Vini Jr this summer.
The reigning champions are in the market for a left winger and could spend big on the Madrid star.
But Mikel Arteta’s side won the league last season through their gritty defensive-first mindset.
Good luck to Arsenal replicating that system in 2026/27 with a winger who doesn’t track back or defend.
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