Manchester United are still one of the big boys in the transfer market, which means that a world-renowned superstar with an uncertain future will likely be discussed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos at Old Trafford.
Despite not obtaining Champions League football last season, the Red Devils were still able to spend frivolously in the summer and acquire some top-tier talent.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all joined for sizeable sums, as Ruben Amorim sought to completely transform his Red Devils attack.
But could there be room for one more? It’s tempting, given his name, but ultimately, it would be the wrong decision.
Vinicius Jr unsettled at Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso
After being left out of the starting XI as Madrid drew with Elche, it’s been reported by The Athletic that Vini Jr has told Real Madrid he does not want to renew his contract amid a strained relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso.
The Brazilian winger was speculated to leave in the summer but remained in the Spanish capital, and has since been left out of Alonso’s squad on numerous occasions.
As TBR Football reported, Premier League clubs have always been alert to his situation, and the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City are reported to be very interested.
That said, with any big name that becomes available, United will surely be in the conversation. Despite a number of attackers coming in, Vini Jr is the calibre of superstar who has to be considered for a move.
He’d arguably be the biggest coup since Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the 25-year-old having come close to winning the Ballon d’Or last season.
Signing Vini Jr would be a mistake for Manchester United
That said, it would be a mistake to go in for the unsettled Madridista, and there are numerous factors behind this.
Casemiro’s international teammate, from the outside, has been the subject of debate regarding his mindset and off-field focus, at least according to sections of the Spanish media.
Instead of knuckling down under Alonso and fighting for his spot, the impression from recent reports is that he may prefer a move away.
United have dealt with this kind of situation before when it comes to players whose ambitions don’t fully align with the club’s.
The second issue is the fee. Despite rejecting a contract, Real Madrid would still try to squeeze every penny out of Vini Jr in January.
United, one, don’t have the cash, and two, shouldn’t be using it in this area. He would be a luxury signing for the Red Devils – and frankly, a luxury they can’t afford at the moment.
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United are much better off trusting in their current stars and adhering to their long-ingrained ethos of developing youth.
The likes of Shea Lacey, Amir Ibragimov and others can play the No.10 role under Amorim, and Vini joining – alongside the talent United currently possess – would stunt growth opportunities.
It’s tempting, of course, but United, Amorim, Sir Jim and Ineos should stay well clear of the Vini Jr race that will surely materialise over the coming months.
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