Real Madrid and Manchester United hold a good relationship which has seen some of the greatest players in world football move between the two clubs. Casemiro ended a legendary spell at the Estadio Bernabeu and headed to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022.
The veteran Brazilian midfielder has been crucial for the Red Devils in a difficult period where they have continued to nosedive in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. He is playing his final season with the Premier League giants ahead of his contract expiring in June.
Casemiro looks to be ending his United career on a high as Michael Carrick has overseen a remarkable turnaround this year. Since replacing Ruben Amorim his side have won four games in a row and put themselves in contention to qualify for the Champions League.
The mood is high at the Theatre of Dreams and Carrick's ability to get his players thriving has led to a suggestion Vinicius Junior might relish the chance to be part of the club's new era.
Vinicius to leave Real Madrid and join Carrick's Man United?
Vinicius' future remains uncertain with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2027. It's believed that the player and Madrid both want him to extend his stay at the Estadio Bernabeu.
If the 25-year-old doesn't agree terms on a new deal it could mean he is in the shop window this summer. He was previously linked with Chelsea and is always on the Saudi Pro League's radar.
Louis Saha, who starred under Ferguson at United, believes he could be tempted to join the Red Devils if Carrick stays. The Frenchman told aceodds.com (via GOAL):
“Vinicius is obviously a Ballon d'Or contender, definitely someone looking to shine, to be in a Champions League spot. I know that because he wants to win individual trophies. Who knows, that could be a very attractive combination - the team that we see week in, week out with Carrick, playing very attractive football. So it may provide a new platform for a player like Vinicius Jr.”
Vinicius has been back to his best under Alvaro Arbeloa after he replaced Xabi Alonso in early January. The Brazilian winger has bagged eight goals and 11 assists in 33 games across competitions this season.
A potential move to United wouldn't be the first time one of the world's best talents has made such a move. Cristiano Ronaldo became the world's most expensive player in 2009 when he joined Madrid from the Premier League giants in a €94 million deal.
Man United can't afford Vinicius
There is little to no chance that United has the financial capacity to afford a deal for Vinicius. When he was linked with Chelsea, there was talk of him costing €160m, which just isn't feasible for the Reds.
Vinicius seems eager to stay in the Spanish capital and it is more than likely he will eventually extend his contract. His reported wage demands of €30m only further rule out any chances of him heading to Old Trafford.
It's not certain that Carrick will stay on as United manager with his contract as caretaker manager up at the end of the season. The English coach is definitely in the conversation to take over permanently but a decision has yet to be made.