Man United have been linked with a shock summer transfer for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr

Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr after reports in Spain claimed the Red Devils were willing to make a mega-money offer to secure a transfer this summer.

On Monday it was claimed by Spanish outlet Fichajes that the Red Devils would be willing to pay €200m to secure a deal for the Brazilian. Real Madrid are not considering selling Vinicius Jr but could be open to an exit if a high enough bid is put on the table. The report adds that if United were to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League then an offer “could be closer than it seems”.

United are in the market for more attackers in the summer window with a striker a priority while a player who could play in behind a number nine also being explored ahead of the summer.

Vinicius Jr has nightmare against Arsenal

Fresh from reports linking him with United, Vinicius Jr was in action for Real Madrid against Arsenal on Tuesday night. However, the Champions League holders were stunned by United’s Premier League rivals as two remarkable free-kicks from Declan Rice along with a sharp Mikel Merino finish saw the Gunners clinch a 3-0 victory to put one foot in the semi-final.

Spanish media did not hold back in their assessment of the entire Real Madrid side - Vinicius included. AS handed him a 1/10 rating describing his display as “erratic, timid, poor” and they also said he was “barely visible” as Madrid lacked a goal threat. Managing Madrid gave him a 2/10 and said: “Vini’s second half performance was dubbed as one of his worst in a Real Madrid shirt, and rightly so. Failed to show any of the hunger and relentless attitude that epitomized his previous season’s at the club.”

Meanwhile, Marca were kinder in their assessment while still handing the winger a low score. He was rated 4/10 by the publication. They wrote: “Off his game. He couldn't run into space with clarity. He made a poor decision on a very advantageous counterattack with a failed pass to Mbappé. His shot went slightly wide on a run where he could have also made a better choice, with Alaba doubling him to gain a passing position.”

Vinicius Jr move to Old Trafford is incredibly unlikely

Reports linking Vinicius to a switch to Old Trafford are a real surprise. United simply do not have the money to secure a move worth €200m. While the club have struggled on the pitch in recent years, they still have a strong pulling power as one of the biggest clubs in world football. However, one of the only teams with a greater pull is arguably Madrid.

Old Trafford will be a less attractive destination come the summer if United do not qualify for European football and their performances in the Premier League will likely act as a deterrent to players playing for clubs who are already enjoying more success.

Manchester World understands that the club have budgeted for the upcoming transfer window without European football - and a mega-money move for Vinicius will not be included within those plans. United are looking closer to home to bolster their attacking options with Liam Delap their preferred striker target while Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling is linked.