Real Madrid boast one of football’s most formidable collections of attacking talent, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and summer signing Yan Diomande among their stars.

The Spanish giants have invested heavily in assembling a squad capable of dominating European football, while their famous La Fabrica academy continues producing exceptional attacking prospects.

Manchester United have previously attempted to compete with Madrid for emerging talent.

Michael Carrick’s side were particularly interested in Diomande during the summer transfer window, with United reportedly believing they led the race for the Ivorian winger.

However, Madrid ultimately secured his signature from RB Leipzig in August, handing him a contract until 2033.

United’s summer recruitment instead concentrated heavily on midfield, with Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arriving at Old Trafford.

No established first-team attacker was signed, leaving Carrick dependent on last season’s attacking options.

That decision has become increasingly concerning following United’s disastrous start to the campaign.

Benjamin Sesko’s prolonged injury absence has left Bryan Mbeumo operating centrally, while Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo have struggled to provide consistent goals.

Remarkably, Mbeumo was the only player in United’s starting eleven against Bournemouth last Sunday to have scored a Premier League goal this season.

The Cameroon international has scored four league goals, while Bruno Fernandes, who started on the bench, has contributed three.

United suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat despite registering 17 shots, with their attacking problems once again painfully exposed.

Now, United have identified another exciting Real Madrid attacker following a remarkable goalscoring campaign.

Manchester United target Real Madrid attacker

According to Diario AS, Manchester United are among several Premier League clubs monitoring Alberto Ruiz-Santa Quiteria Intillaque.

The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s brightest academy prospects following extraordinary performances for club and country.

Ruiz scored 30 league goals during the 2025/26 campaign for Madrid’s Cadete B side.

That followed an equally remarkable 2024/25 season, when he registered 34 goals and 19 assists for the Infantil A team.

The left-footed youngster has now attracted international attention after helping Spain win the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

Ruiz finished as the tournament’s joint-leading goalscorer with eight goals, including braces against Colombia in the quarter-finals and Greece in the semi-finals.

Spain eventually defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 in the final.

Ruiz currently represents Madrid’s Under-16 A side, where he has already registered three goals and three assists in his opening four matches.

How good is he?

Alberto Ruiz is a technically gifted attacking midfielder nicknamed the ‘Manchegan Modric’ because of his intelligent movement and ability to control possession.

He excels at dropping deep to receive the ball, linking midfield with attack and accelerating through tight spaces.

His close control, vision and powerful left-footed shooting make him particularly dangerous around the penalty area.

Ruiz can also operate from the right wing, cutting inside onto his stronger foot to create shooting opportunities or deliver the final pass.

Despite his attacking qualities, the youngster has demonstrated considerable tactical versatility, even featuring at left-back during Spain’s recent tournament.

However, Madrid have already protected their prized prospect with a contract running until 2028.

Furthermore, United would face significant regulatory obstacles to signing him before his 18th birthday because of post-Brexit transfer restrictions.

For now, United’s interest remains at the scouting stage, with no formal approach reported.