(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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Man United must accelerate Rafael Leao pursuit after confirmed transfer news

Ciaran Morrison
Ciaran Morrison

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

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Manchester United must seize the chance to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao after he confirmed he wanted to leave the club.

Speaking to SportTV in Portugal, Leao expressed his desire to start a "new chapter" and "play in another league" next season.

Leao has spent the past seven seasons at AC Milan, and has contributed 10 or more goals in all competitions in each of the past five campaigns.

Bryan Mbeumo's goalscoring form tailed off for Man United at the back end of last season, whilst Amad Diallo has yet to nail down his position in the team under Michael Carrick.

Carrick and Man United are keen to strengthen the squad this summer, ahead of their return to the Champions League.

AC Milan reveal price tag on Rafael Leao

Sources told Football Insider that Leao is on Man United's radar this summer, as they're targeting a new winger to add to the squad.

Leao could be available for £43million, a fee which Man United should be looking to agree for the 26-year-old.

Games Started23
Goals9
Penalty Goals2
Big Chances Created10
Successful Crosses44%
Successful Dribbles46.4%
Rafael Leao's 2025-26 stats at AC Milan in Serie A.

Champions League qualification means Man United should be able to lure Leao to the club, alongside a guarantee that he will get regular minutes in Carrick's starting line-up.

Leao also wants to play Champions League football at his next club, with AC Milan having not competed in this season's competition.

Marcus Rashford exit could clear path further for Rafael Leao

Man United's finances could be boosted further, in a bid to sign Leao, if they can offload Marcus Rashford this summer.

As well as less competition on the flank, Rashford's departure would free up further space in the wage bill to bring Leao to Old Trafford.

Barcelona, despite having just signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, remain keen to agree a permanent deal for Rashford, whilst the 28-year-old also has interest from Premier League clubs.

Rashford might need to accept another loan move to Barcelona, though Man United’s priority is a permanent sale this summer.

Man United also have plans to sign a new defender and a midfielder, as Leao could be part of an ambitious summer of transfer activity at the club.

Manchester United
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