Bournemouth forward Rayan has told ESPN Brasil that he has always supported Manchester United, handing incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino a potential advantage in the race for his signature. The 20-year-old Brazilian, who scored in Bournemouth's 3-0 win at Old Trafford last month, was tracked by United while at Vasco da Gama but no formal bid was made.
Rayan's admiration for United
Speaking to ESPN Brasil alongside teammate Evanilson, Rayan said he had discussed with his family the idea of playing at Old Trafford. "I was even talking to the people at home, my wife and the people who are with me, and I told them I've always supported Manchester United here in England," he said.
Asked why United were his Premier League club of choice, he replied: "Because of Cristiano Ronaldo. I wanted to go in just to see what it was like, to see what the stadium was like, to step onto the pitch." On his reaction to winning at Old Trafford, he added: "I said, 'Wow, we've beaten Manchester United, the team I've always supported.'"
Transfer plans and priorities
Pochettino is expected to receive substantial transfer resources in January, though he may need to wait until next summer to acquire Rayan, as Bournemouth have no plans to sell him during the winter window. The new boss will have direct influence over signings, with a defender his priority. United typically avoid winter activity, but an injury-ravaged defence and failure to secure cover for left-back Luke Shaw have necessitated action.
Offensive additions are also under consideration, with Como's Argentine midfielder Nico Paz strongly linked. However, with Benjamin Sesko set to return from injury in the New Year, United may postpone a marquee signing up front until summer.
Defensive concerns
Having focused on attack in 2025 by securing Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United turned attention to midfield during the summer with the acquisitions of Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Currently, defence is the biggest concern, with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Shaw possibly in their final campaigns at the club.
