Leao hints at United preference as Milan's Europa League finish slashes asking price

Rafael Leao has indicated a personal affinity for Manchester United, telling the Cernucci podcast that the Red Devils are his favourite Premier League club — a declaration that could shape United manager Michael Carrick’s thinking ahead of the summer window. The 26-year-old AC Milan forward cited Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol as the reason for his attachment to Old Trafford, adding that he also holds a fondness for Arsenal.

Leao’s comments arrive at a moment when his market value appears to have dropped significantly. Milan finished fifth in Serie A on the final day of the season, losing at home to Cagliari, which was enough only for Europa League qualification rather than a return to the Champions League. Reports suggest that financial reality has cut Leao’s asking price to approximately £43 million — roughly half the valuations previously attached to his signature.

United already have a notable Portuguese presence in Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, and the prospect of adding a third compatriot has been noted in reports linking the club to Leao. The forward has been connected to United in previous windows without any deal materialising, though the combination of his public comments and a reduced price tag may prompt a more serious assessment this time around.

Carrick’s recruitment priorities heading into the window are not believed to centre heavily on wide positions. United strengthened those areas last summer with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. However, the departures of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have left the left flank thinner than it was, and Leao’s evolution into a more central striking role in recent seasons adds a further dimension to how he might fit.

With United’s first pre-season friendly approximately seven weeks away, Carrick has a narrow window to bring in new faces and allow them to settle before the squad reassembles in July. Whether Leao becomes part of those plans will depend on how seriously the club weighs his comments against their stated transfer priorities.