As questions about Manchester United's squad depth continue to grow, the English giants appear to have turned their attention to AC Milan's Rafael Leao as a potential addition to their attack this summer.
It has been reported for some time now that Manchester United are interested in strengthening their left-sided attacking options.
The likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Morgan Rogers being some of many names that have appeared as a potential alternative to Matheus Cunha, who would surely be unable to play every game next season, with United looking like an almost certainty to earn a spot in next years Champions League.
However, with prices still not completely confirmed for these targets, the Red Devils have their eyes set on a potential move for Rafael Leao, a household name who has cemented himself as one of the brightest talents for wingers in world football.
In his last five seasons at AC Milan, Leao has managed double digits in goals across all competitions, proving his worth to Man United in terms of goal contribution, which is something that new boys Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are familiar with.
Leao's potential move to United
According to Gazzetta dello Sport , “United are interested in Rafa, offering Ugarte or Rashford as a counterpart. But the Rossoneri would prefer cash.
"United are looking for a player who can provide numerical superiority on the left and alternate with Cunha.”
Man United do seemed very keen at the moment to include a player of their own within the negotiation tactics with Milan, such as Manuel Ugarted, Marcus Rashford, and Joshua Zirkzee.
“Zirzkee isn’t a striker, but he has different characteristics than Pulisic and Sorloth, and he would fit in well with them. While Ugarte is on the sidelines, and Jorge Mendes has also offered him to Juventus.
“Rashford can be bought from Barcelona for €30 million, but it’s not a given.” This all therefore leaves the negotiations in a potential phase of fruition, rather than something imminent, however, Leao is certainly a name for United fans to track this summer.
Would Leao fit at Man United?
Looking at the players characteristics, pedigree, and skillset, he would be a great fit at Manchester United.
To begin simply, he has international teammates, such as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, at the club for some familiarity.
As for his playing style, his tenacity and bravery to take on his man relentlessly without fear of a mistake, is exactly what United fans ask for from their wingers, which is one of the reasons Cunha has become such a favourite amongst the fans this season.
As for pedigree, he has already won the Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana with Ac Milan, along with the UEFA Nations League with Portgual, meaning he is no stranger to success, despite that success not being the kind that Man United are looking for exactly.
However, the overbearing issue for an signing from overseas is still relevant, can he adapt to the Premier League.
Many have succeeded such as Bruno Fernandes, and many have failed, such as Jadon Sancho, making the overseas transfers something of a lottery, especially for the big clubs with big expectations.
Therefore, most people would rather see the Red Devils go for an Ndiaye or Rogers this summer as they have shown what they can do in this league. However, nothing is saying that Leao will not tear up the Premier League if given the opportunity.
Its the fearless players that tend to adapt the best to the Premier League, and Rafa Leao is just that, making his name one to look out for this summer.