United face Real Madrid challenge in race for South American forward with 21 g/a this season – report

Manchester United have been home to some of the most lethal strikers in the world, but the position has been a cause for concern in recent seasons. Marcus Rashford scored 30 times in 56 games in the 2022/23 season, and that remains the last time that a Red Devils player scored more than 20 goals in a season. Rasmus Hojlund was the Premier League giants’ top scorer in the 2023/24 campaign with 16 goals, while last season, Bruno Fernandes topped the charts with 19 goals. It is no wonder, then, that United opted to invest heavily in Benjamin Sesko this summer to address their goalscoring issues. The Slovenian has endured a slow start to the campaign, managing just two goals in 12 games, and is now out with an injury. The Red Devils are confident that Sesko is the right candidate for the No. 9 role at the Theatre of Dreams. However, that has not stopped them from trying to replenish the striker department with fresh blood. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Vasco da Gama striker Rayan is on their wish list. Brazil’s new rising star Rayan rose through the ranks at the Brazilian side before breaking into the senior side in 2023. He was in and out of the starting XI last year, but has come into his own this season. The 19 year old has scored 20 goals in 55 games in all competitions this campaign, all but five of which were starts. Rayan Stats: 2025 CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Campeonato Brasileiro Série A341414-2,844′ Copa do Brasil105—809′ Copa Sudamericana81-1-521′ Campeonato Carioca3–1-236′ Total552016-4,410′ Source: Transfermarkt.Rayan fits the profile of players United have targeted of late. He is young with loads of potential, already has a wise head on his shoulders, and has pace to burn. Despite his young age, the Brazilian is quite strong, while his technical ability has already earned him admirers across the Premier League. It now appears that the Red Devils will also face competition from Spain in the race for the teenager. Real Madrid want Rayan According to Fichajes, Rayan’s performances have already earned him admirers at Real Madrid, who are preparing to offer as much as €50 million for his signature. The report adds that the LaLiga giants’ expertise in the South American market could work in their favour in the race. Los Blancos have been monitoring the Brazilian for a while and are convinced that he can be a success at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid have previously hit the jackpot with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Endrick, and are now looking to repeat the trick with Rayan. While Vasco da Gama would prefer for their starlet to stay, the aforementioned offer could be enough to turn their heads. United, as such, could be in real danger of missing out on the teenager unless they act fast. Final Thoughts United have a strong South American contingent at the moment, with Lisandro Martinez, Matheus Cunha, Manuel Ugarte, Diego Leon and Casemiro in their books. As such, Rayan would not look out of place at the Theatre of Dreams. Meanwhile, Old Trafford has always had an eye for the spectacular, and the Brazilian could add more flair to the grand old stadium. However, there is a risk associated with the move, given that the player could take time to come to terms with the rigours of the Premier League. Featured image Wagner Meier via Getty Images 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.