Amorim's AC Milan move could spare United a costly £43m Leao mistake

Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious departure from Manchester United in January may yet yield an unlikely benefit for the club he left behind. The Portuguese coach has since been appointed at AC Milan, and his arrival appears to have cooled Rafael Leao’s desire to leave the San Siro — potentially sparing United an expensive and ill-fitting transfer.

Leao, 27, had been unambiguous about his intentions before the summer. “I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want a new chapter,” he said. “I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.” Those words placed him firmly in the sights of clubs across Europe, United among them.

But speaking to reporters after scoring in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday, Leao’s tone had shifted noticeably. Asked whether he would remain at Milan to work under Amorim, he said: “He is a very good coach, I will make a decision after the World Cup.” That is a considerably more measured position than the one he held before the tournament.

United have been in the market for a left winger this summer, and Leao’s name has surfaced in that context. He has previously spoken of his admiration for the club and for Cristiano Ronaldo, lending the links some credibility. But the case for pursuing him was always questionable.

Milan value the winger at £43m — a significant outlay for a club that still needs to manage its finances carefully while strengthening across multiple positions. At 27, Leao also falls outside the age bracket Ineos has typically targeted in the transfer market, and he has no prior experience of the Premier League.

For a club with limited funds and a clear recruitment philosophy, spending £43m on a player who does not fit the model would represent a difficult decision to justify. If Amorim’s presence at Milan is enough to persuade Leao to stay, United may find themselves quietly relieved — even if the source of that relief is the man they sacked just months ago.

Michael Carrick’s interim tenure has already transformed United’s outlook, with Champions League qualification secured for next season. The priority now is building a squad that reflects Ineos’ long-term vision, and that means being disciplined in the transfer market — even when high-profile names are available.