Free to do so: Club president says he will not stop 36 g/a United target from leaving

Manchester United are looking for a new left-forward this summer, but securing the signature of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior will not be easy. The Red Devils enjoyed a strong second half of the campaign, scoring the most goals in the Premier League during that period. United found the back of the net 36 times in 19 Premier League games since the beginning of the year, two more than Arsenal and Manchester City. The Red Devils ended the campaign with 69 goals in 38 games, a huge improvement on their meagre returns of 44 goals in the 2024/25 season. The decision to invest heavily in attack last summer has proven to be a masterstroke, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo sizzling for the English giants. United are now looking to repeat the trick in midfield this summer as they prepare for life after Casemiro. However, attacking additions could also be on the agenda ahead of a season in which they will be expected to fight on multiple fronts. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person stated that the Red Devils have been handed the chance to secure the services of Vinicius this summer. Vinicius ticks a lot of boxes for United Vinicius is among the most lethal attackers on the planet but will enter the final year of his contract this summer. The Brazilian is yet to commit his future at the Santiago Bernabeu, adding to speculation over his future and providing United with an opportunity to take advantage. The Red Devils are keen to add more guile and unpredictability to their attack and the 25 year old’s ability to unlock the opposition ticks a lot of boxes at Old Trafford. This season, Vinicius has registered 22 goals and 14 assists in 53 appearances for the LaLiga giants. Vinicius Junior Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga36321668-2,825′ UEFA Champions League1413582-1,171′ Supercopa221-1-163′ Copa del Rey11—-90′ Total5348221411-4,249′ Source: Transfermarkt. There have been rumours of a rift between the Brazilian and Kylian Mbappe, with reports surfacing that Los Blancos could be open to his departure. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has now provided an update on Vinicius’ future. Real Madrid want Vinicius to stay Speaking to El Pais, Perez expressed a desire to keep Vinicius at the Santiago Bernabeu for as long as possible. He said: “There’s time (regarding the player’s renewal). I’d love for him to stay forever. He’s won us the last two Champions Leagues, and he’s very much identified with the club. Do you know who doesn’t like him? Those who aren’t Real Madrid fans.” When it was pointed out that a section of the home crowd had booed the Brazilian this summer, Perez added: “Some people are mistaken. They read certain newspapers and they put them in a certain situation… Vinicius is a star and I’d be delighted to have him always there.” The Real Madrid boss also rubbished claims that the player is demanding better financial terms to agree to an extension. He continued: “Nothing is needed. They say he asks for a lot of money, but it’s a lie.” “If he doesn’t want to be at Real Madrid and wants to sign with another club, he’s free to do so. I’m not going to force him into anything. Money won’t be the most important thing. It never has been.” Perez also addressed reports that Vinicius and Mbappe are not compatible on the pitch, concluding: “That’s nonsense. They’re the two best in the world. Vinicius has won us two Champions Leagues. But we shouldn’t get carried away. This idea that you can win a Champions League every year is ridiculous; winning six in 10 years is something no one has ever done.” Final Thoughts Vinicius’ proposed arrival could affect United’s dressing room, given that he will command colossal wages. The player’s tendency to get embroiled in controversy also suggests that INEOS would be better advised to continue with their Premier League-proven strategy instead. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.