Manchester United-linked Vinicius Junior expresses desire to stay at Real Madrid

The Brazil international missed out against Atletico Madrid in La Liga last weekend due to a neck problem, but he was back in the side for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Girona.

Vinicius put in a star performance against Girona, scoring once and providing two assists, and he now has 12 goals and seven assists in 21 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign.

The 23-year-old only signed a new deal with Real Madrid last October, but there has recently been speculation surrounding his future amid the Kylian Mbappe saga.

Mbappe has allegedly decided to join Real Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and there have been suggestions that his arrival could lead to Vinicius being sold.

Last month, it was claimed that Manchester United were keeping a close eye on the situation, with the Red Devils potentially exploring the possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford.

However, Vinicius has expressed a desire to stay at Bernabeu for long as possible, telling reporters after the clash with Girona: «I am always happy to play here, to wear this shirt. I hope the president keeps me here for a long time.

»One of the best [performances of the season], for sure. We did everything the coach asked us to do. Pressing when we had to and lowering the line when we had to. That's the difference: when the team wants to, it's very difficult to beat us.

«They've been doing very well, playing spectacularly… and we knew we had to start concentrated. That's how we did it. Playing at home is always special and when the fans are with us, it's