United’s 2026 pursuit of red-hot Bundesliga speedster under threat from Real Madrid – report

Manchester United reinforced their attack over the summer, investing heavily in Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo. While there have been significant improvements already, much of the good work in the final third has come off the right wing. Mbeumo has already forged a stellar partnership with Amad Diallo and those two have quickly emerged as key to Amorim’s tactics. The left wing, meanwhile, has not been as decisive, despite the presence of Cunha. The Brazilian was outstanding for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season and was subsequently handed the No. 10 shirt at Old Trafford upon his arrival. While he has shown signs of brilliance, Cunha is yet to get going so far. The situation has sparked talk of further additions to the position in 2026, and a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils have FC Koln starlet Said El Mala on their radar. Bundesliga’s rising star El Mala has gone from strength to strength since arriving at FC Koln this summer, and has become a regular under Lukas Kwasniok. The 19 year old has already registered six goals in 16 appearances this season, seven of which have been starts. Said El Mala Stats: CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Bundesliga1463–656′ DFB-Pokal2–1-80′ Total16631-736′ Source: Transfermarkt. United are keeping a close watch on the German forward’s development at the moment. European football expert Andy Brassell has already named Old Trafford the most logical destination for the teenager. The Red Devils have been making their presence felt in the market for rising talents in football of late and El Mala certainly fits the bill. While Mason Mount has covered admirably for Cunha this season, the German forward could bring something entirely different to the table. El Mala’s trickery, pace and scoring ability could genuinely improve Amorim’s attack. However, a recent update on the player’s future suggests that winning the race for his signature will not be easy. Real Madrid eyeing El Mala According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid have identified El Mala as an option to shore up their attack. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are also in the race, and are already preparing to move for him in 2026. The LaLiga giants already boast a formidable attack, but that has not stopped them from seeking further improvements. Los Blancos are apparently enticed by the German’s ability to play across the frontline, which makes him a fine fit in Xabi Alonso’s system. The report adds that a move could be possible for €50-60 million, and Real Madrid believe that the price tag is justified given the player’s abilities. The Spanish giants’ entry in the race could spell trouble for United. However, the Red Devils pipped Real Madrid in the race for Leny Yoro in 2024, so they are unlikely to give up without a fight. Final Thoughts INEOS are working to get the Premier League giants back to their heyday and need to build a squad for the present as well as the future. El Mala is exactly the kind of talent that United need, especially since they look a little light on the left wing. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho have all departed this summer, so the Red Devils would ideally need to add more pace and trickery to their squad. El Mala could be the answer. Feature image Alexander Hassenstein 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.