Bournemouth forward Rayan has revealed he is a Manchester United supporter, handing new manager Mauricio Pochettino a potential advantage as the club plans a squad rebuild. The 20-year-old Brazilian, who scored in the Cherries' 3-0 win at Old Trafford last month, was on United's radar during his time at Vasco da Gama, but the club did not follow up with an offer.
Since joining Bournemouth, Rayan has become one of the Premier League's most sought-after young forwards, and a big-money move to a European giant appears increasingly likely. Pochettino is expected to target marquee signings next year, and Rayan's affection for United could give the club an edge over rivals.
Rayan's Dream of Playing at Old Trafford
Speaking to ESPN Brasil alongside club-mate Evanilson, Rayan said he has discussed with his family the possibility of playing at Old Trafford. He explained: "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."
Asked why United were his preferred Premier League club, he cited Cristiano Ronaldo as the reason. "I wanted to go in just to see what it was like, to see what the stadium was like, to step onto the pitch," he said. Reflecting on the win at Old Trafford, he added: "I said, 'Wow, we've beaten Manchester United, the team I've always supported.'"
Pochettino's January Plans and Defensive Priority
Pochettino is set to receive significant transfer funds in January, though Bournemouth have no intention of selling Rayan in the winter window, meaning a move may have to wait until the summer. The new boss will have a direct say on recruitment, with a defender his top priority. United typically avoid winter business, but an injury-hit backline and the failure to sign cover for Luke Shaw have forced their hand.
Attacking reinforcements are also being considered, with Como's Argentine playmaker Nico Paz heavily linked. However, with Benjamin Sesko battling injury, United are likely to hold off on a big-name striker until the summer and focus on fixing their defensive crisis in January. Having invested heavily in their frontline in 2025 with the arrivals of Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United shifted focus to midfield in the summer with deals for Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Defence is now a priority in the short and long term, with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw potentially in their final seasons at the club.
