Manchester United’s summer transfer activity is heating up, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao now reportedly keen on making the move to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese international’s interest comes as Michael Carrick continues building his squad following an impressive temporary tenure at the club.
Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim earlier this season and claimed victory in 12 of his 17 matches in charge of the Red Devils.
Those results proved enough to secure United a Champions League place for next season, handing Carrick significant leverage in the upcoming transfer market.
The 44-year-old has since been rewarded with a two-year permanent contract, with the club’s hierarchy now focused on strengthening several key positions this summer.
According to Football Italia, Leao is now keen on joining Carrick’s side, with a move away from Serie A widely expected during the upcoming window.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the 26-year-old wants to leave AC Milan, with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray also circling the Portuguese winger.
A fee in the region of £40m has been mooted for Leao, who ended the 2025/26 campaign with 13 combined goals and assists across all competitions.
Leao registered 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 in Serie A this season, a tally higher than 91% of other attackers in Italy’s top flight.
His 0.5 big chances created per 90 this term further demonstrates his creativity, a trait that could relieve pressure on Bruno Fernandes in attack.
Fernandes has enjoyed a record-breaking campaign, registering 21 Premier League assists in 2025/26, the most by any player since the division’s formation in 1992.
The 31-year-old’s five assists across his last seven matches helped him surpass every other creative force in English football’s top tier this season.
Leao’s arrival could provide Fernandes with the platform to better that remarkable tally, given the pair’s established chemistry at international level with Portugal.
The AC Milan winger has also posted double-figure goalscoring returns in each of the last five seasons, underlining his consistency as a top-level attacker.
Midfield reinforcements are also on the agenda, with Atalanta’s Ederson having already agreed personal terms with United ahead of a potential £35m deal.
United’s attacking department is already impressive, and Leao’s direct style and ball-carrying ability would add a genuinely new dimension to Carrick’s front line.
At £40m, many within the game would consider the deal exceptional value for a player of the Portuguese winger’s proven quality and experience.
The forward’s link-up potential with Fernandes could prove decisive as United look to push on in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.