- Man Utd eye Rafael Leao
- AC Milan star could replace Marcus Rashford
- Portuguese attacker wants Old Trafford move
Manchester United’s summer transfer window under Michael Carrick has been handed an absolute blockbuster blueprint.
Following a spectacular second half of the season that saw United secure a third-place finish and a guaranteed return to Champions League football, the club’s recruitment team is officially on red alert.
A report from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that AC Milan star Rafael Leao has made his stance clear: he wants out of the San Siro, and his absolute dream destination is Old Trafford.
Man Utd handed Leao boost
Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League after finishing fifth in Serie A has completely shattered their hold on the 26-year-old Portuguese international. Leão dropped a massive bombshell via Sport TV Portugal, confirming his time in Italy has naturally come to an end:
“Personally, I’ve given everything at AC Milan… Everyone has ambitions and I dream of a new challenge in a new league.”
While super-agent Jorge Mendes is actively working to find his client a step up, the report notes that Milan are ready to cash in for a shockingly low €60 million (£51m / $65m). For a player who was recently deemed completely untouchable with a massive nine-figure release clause, this is a cut-price gift that INEOS simply cannot ignore.
A perfect Rashford heir
Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford continues to dominate the headlines, and if United decide it is time to refresh their left-wing options, Leao represents the ultimate tactical upgrade.
Under Massimiliano Allegri at Milan, Leao struggled this past season because he was forced to play predominantly as a central striker. Taking away his space to run limited him to just 10 goals in all competitions.
However, his historic numbers when deployed out wide speak for themselves. Across his 291 total appearances for Milan, he has racked up 135 goal involvements (80 goals and 55 assists).
When you break that down to his preferred position on the left flank, he becomes lethal, boasting 61 goals and 56 assists in 208 games. He is an electric, dynamic dribbler who can isolate fullbacks and create magic from absolutely nothing.
“I Like United” — Leao
What makes this deal a total no-brainer for Michael Carrick is that Leao, dubbed “magic” by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has already publicly confessed his love for the Red Devils. Driven by his obsession with his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, the winger has been an avid viewer of Manchester United for years.
“Yeah, of course I like United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo, so back then, I used to watch them,” Leao admitted previously.
With Champions League revenue secured and a clear mandate from Carrick to keep moving the football club forward, United need a marquee left-winger who actively wants to wear the shirt.
Leao has checked every single box. He has outgrown a struggling Milan side; he rejected Saudi Arabia because he wants the highest stage in Europe; and he is practically begging for the move
