£40m winger now keen on signing for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United opened the door for needed change at Old Trafford – leading to Michael Carrick taking over on a temporary basis.

The aforementioned appointment certainly had the desired effect in the Premier League as the 44-year-old claimed victory in 12 of his 17 matches during his tenure.

As a result, the Red Devils have secured their place in the Champions League for next season, subsequently having the opportunity to come up against some of Europe’s elite once again.

Carrick has been rewarded with a two-year contract for his efforts at the Theatre of Dreams, but it’s vital he continues to build on his impressive form to bring the glory days back to the club.

The hierarchy will no doubt be keeping a close eye on potential additions this summer, with various key areas of the squad needing to be bolstered to hand Carrick the chance of succeeding in his permanent role.

£40m superstar now wants to join Man Utd this summer

The midfield department is one area that’s set to be bolstered this summer, with Atalanta star Ederson one player who looks set to move to Man Utd in the months ahead.

It’s been reported that personal terms have already been agreed with the Brazilian, but a fee still needs to be sorted out between the two clubs before a move can be completed.

A fee in the region of £35m has been touted for the 26-year-old’s signature, but the asking price shouldn’t be an issue and a deal could well be completed in the weeks ahead.

The attacking department is another area that could be bolstered during the off-season, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao emerging as a potential transfer target.

According to Football Italia, the Portuguese international is now keen on a move to join Carrick’s men this summer, with a move away from Serie A expected.

Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the player himself wants to depart AC Milan during the upcoming window, as Fenerbahce and Galatasaray also continue to circle.

A fee in the region of £40m has been mooted for the 26-year-old who ended the 2025/26 campaign with 13 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

Why Bruno Fernandes would love Leao at Man Utd

There’s no denying that United wouldn’t have been able to achieve the success under Carrick this term without the impact of midfielder Bruno Fernandes in recent months.

The Portuguese international has undoubtedly had the season of his career, subsequently registering 21 assists in the Premier League – the most of any player since the division’s formation in 1992.

His tally of five assists in his last seven outings for the Red Devils allowed him to achieve such a feat, with the 31-year-old maintaining his role as an influential figure at Old Trafford.

Bruno will no doubt be at the heart of Carrick’s plans ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and will be hoping the attacking midfielder can emulate such a feat next term.

A move for Leao could hand him the opportunity to better his assist tally from this season, with the pair able to build upon the connection they’ve built on the international stage.

The 26-year-old has demonstrated over recent seasons that he’s a top-level operator within the final third – as seen by his double-figure goalscoring record in each of the last five seasons.

Should he replicate such numbers upon any move to Old Trafford, there’s no denying Bruno would be able to improve his own record-breaking assist record.

The AC Milan star has also caught the eye with his phenomenal ball-carrying ability this term, subsequently registering 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 in Serie A.

The aforementioned tally is higher than 91% of other attackers in Italy’s top-flight, with Leao having the chance to return the favour to his compatriot within attacking areas.

His tally of 0.5 big chances created per 90 this season also demonstrates his own creativity in the final third – which could also take some of the responsibility off Fernandes’ shoulders.

£40m in today’s market would be a bargain for a player of Leao’s quality would be an excellent piece of business and one that could allow United to reach the next level.

His success at the top-level has been demonstrated over numerous years, with his direct nature able to add a new level of depth to the club’s already impressive attacking department.

The forward’s link-up with Bruno could also be a huge factor in any success, as the pair have the chance to write their names into the club’s history forever throughout 2026/27 and beyond.