Endrick: Why Man United should go all out for Real Madrid gem | OneFootball

Michael Carrick appears to have found an ideal role for Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, at least for the time being.

Sesko has scored five times in the Premier League under Carrick. Interestingly, four of these goals have come as a substitute.

The 22-year-old has struggled to spearhead United’s attack from the start, but his impressive hold-up play and explosive pace have allowed him to influence the game to a greater degree in the final quarter.

The former RB Leipzig forward is a clear upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, but he still needs to develop further to be able to become more than an impact substitute. 

Manchester United need another striker

Recently, The Athletic reported that United are willing to sign an experienced striker. The Red Devils have a strong history of papering over the cracks with veteran forwards such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Odion Ighalo and Wout Weghorst.

Barring Ibrahimovic, it is not far-fetched to say that the ageing stars underwhelmed at Old Trafford. Moreover, even in the case of the Swede, the then-manager Jose Mourinho was forced to look for another solution after 12 months.

As such, Ineos may consider taking a gamble on another long-term solution where the upside is massive.

Manchester United should make a strong push for Endrick

According to CaughtOffside, there is a growing sense that Real Madrid youngster Endrick could be available this summer.

Los Blancos beat Europe’s top clubs, including the Mancunians, to secure the services of Endrick by agreeing a deal worth €70 million, including add-ons, with Palmeiras when he was just 16 years old in 2022.

The 5 ft 8 in Brazilian with a ferocious ball-striking ability moved to the Spanish capital in 2024. However, Kylian Mbappe’s presence up front proved to be a stumbling block for Endrick’s progress, leading to a loan move to Lyon in Ligue 1.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a prolific stint in France, having been directly involved in 14 goals in 18 appearances. However, irrespective of his form, Endrick is going to face the same issues in Madrid if he decides to return next season.

As per CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing, United were one of Endrick’s main suitors before he joined Lyon, but they were “ultimately prevented from signing him due to Real’s insistence that any loan did not include a buy option.”

Endrick Stats: 2025/26 Season

It is understood that if the Brazil international’s situation changes this summer, it could be that United “will come back in for the former Palmeiras attacker.”

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously insisted he would rather unearth the next Kylian Mbappe for United than spend a fortune on a marquee name.

Endrick, who Rodrygo once described as “incredible”, is far from a gem who needs to be unearthed. However, the ex-Palmeiras wonderkid is definitely a talent in need of a big club to place their trust in his immense potential.

Featured image Denis Doyle via Getty Images

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