Former Flamengo academy coach Carlos Noval has revealed that Manchester United sent a scout to watch now-Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior when he was just 14 back in 2015.
The winger, who is now 21, is considered one of the most exciting talents in world football and scored his 18th goal of the season in Madrid's narrow 4-3 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Brazilian collected the ball inside his own half, motored forward, flicked it beyond Fernandinho and ran through on goal to slot it past Ederson.
It was a moment of brilliance from the versatile attacker and sent out a reminder to everyone watching what he is capable of. This season has been the former Flamengo man's best of his career to date by some distance, scoring 18 goals and registering 18 assists in all competitions.
READ MORE: Six Manchester United players ruled out vs Chelsea
He joined Madrid in 2018 and has taken time to adapt to the expected standard. However, he has now hit top gear and is showcasing his talents to the world.
For United, though, there could be a tinge of regret. That is because they watched Vinicius closely as a youngster several years ago but failed to sign him.
Noval told ESPN Brazil : "A foreign scout from Manchester United said 'Noval, look at the player you have, he's a gem! I've never seen a 14-year-old player do what he does'.
"That reinforced everything we already had in mind. He was a gem to be polished. Everyone wanted Vinicius.
"Corinthians didn't get to talk to us because they didn't have the slightest chance of him leaving. Barcelona, in particular, monitored this boy since he was 13 years old. Real Madrid and most of the big European clubs too.
"We had more contact, they came to talk to us, but Vini could only leave the country at the age of 18. European clubs are very keen to know what the athlete's family, representatives and off-field is like."
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
