Endrick scores in Real Madrid's stunning comeback to silence Manchester United transfer talk

Endrick scored and was named UEFA’s player of the match as Real Madrid produced a remarkable comeback from 3-1 down to beat AS Roma 4-3 in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with the Brazilian’s future at the club dominating the pre-match narrative.

Donyell Malen struck twice early in the second half to put Roma firmly in control, having already led through Marten de Roon’s opener before Kylian Mbappe levelled before the break. Substitutes Carlos Espi and Endrick then pulled Real level at 3-3, before Antonio Rudiger converted a dramatic close-range winner in the 90th minute.

Endrick had been on the pitch for just over half an hour when UEFA awarded him the player of the match honour — a timely statement amid mounting speculation over his future. Reports from Spain earlier this week suggested Manchester United believe they can pip Ruben Amorim’s former club AC Milan to sign the forward, with Borussia Dortmund also credited with interest in the 18-year-old.

Endrick moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024 on a six-year deal, scoring on his debut that August. After a promising first season, he was loaned to Lyon in December for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign before returning to the Bernabeu. He has made only two appearances this season following an injury that disrupted his pre-season.

His agent Alan Redmond, head of football at Roc Nation, was unequivocal about where his client’s future lies. “The financial aspect isn’t important; the player evaluates the club’s project,” Redmond said, via AdnKronos. “We’re talking about a player with the qualities to be at Real Madrid; he just needs opportunities. The idea has always been to stay in Madrid. I don’t think he’ll move. The clubs mentioned are fantastic, but I don’t think he’ll go play anywhere else.”

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was equally dismissive of the transfer speculation. “Forget about the interested clubs,” Mourinho told TNT Sports Brazil on Tuesday. “He is a player that I really like, a player that I think has lots of potential and is very important for us.”