Manchester United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has dropped a major hint about his preferred Premier League destination. The 26-year-old Portuguese international has openly admitted his admiration for the Red Devils, potentially influencing the club's summer transfer plans under manager Michael Carrick.
Leao Reveals United Preference
Speaking on the Cernucci podcast, Leao was asked if Manchester United is his favourite Premier League club. He responded, "Yeah, of course. I like United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. So back then, I used to watch them. I like Arsenal also." This revelation comes as a welcome development for United, who could see their Portuguese contingent grow alongside Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.
More importantly, Leao could be available at a significantly reduced price. AC Milan missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fifth in Serie A, securing only a Europa League spot. Reports suggest his asking price may drop to as low as £43 million, half of previous valuations. While United's wing positions are not considered a top priority, the departures of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have left the left flank in need of reinforcement. Leao has also been deployed more centrally in recent years, adding versatility.
Evra Names Osimhen as 'Dream Signing'
Meanwhile, United legend Patrice Evra has urged the club to sign Victor Osimhen, calling the Nigerian striker his top choice for the summer. Evra told Goal, "Osimhen. I have all due respect for Galatasaray, the love he gets there and what the player is like. Man United need a proper striker." Osimhen joined Galatasaray last summer for a Turkish-record fee of around £65 million after a successful loan from Napoli. However, his £250,000-a-week wages and a reported £130 million asking price pose significant obstacles.
Evra emphasised the need for depth, recalling Sir Alex Ferguson's era of having four top strikers. United's attack looked thin when Benjamin Sesko was injured in late 2025, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo struggling as makeshift forwards. Osimhen helped Galatasaray retain the Super Lig crown with 22 goals and eight assists in 33 games across all competitions, despite injury setbacks.
As Carrick prepares for his first full season, these transfer stories highlight the club's ambition to strengthen key areas. With only seven weeks until pre-season, United's recruitment team faces a busy period ahead.
