Leao red card for punching prompts Bruno Fernandes solidarity as £43m Man Utd target eyes Premier League move

Rafael Leao was dismissed for punching a Chilean opponent during Portugal’s 2026 World Cup warm-up fixture, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes quickly rallying behind the AC Milan forward in the aftermath of the incident.

Leao became embroiled in a confrontation between Joao Cancelo and Chile’s Felipe Faundez, pushing Ivan Roman repeatedly before landing a blow to his face. Following a VAR review, both Leao and Roman were shown red cards. Fernandes, who was close to the flashpoint, responded to Leao’s Instagram post with a single word: “Together.”

Leao had sought to justify his actions on social media. “I simply wanted to protect my colleague, never with the intention of hurting the opponent,” the winger wrote. “Thank you to all the Portuguese who came to Jamor, amazing atmosphere, we’re still together.”

The incident adds a layer of intrigue to Leao’s uncertain future at Milan. The 26-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract, has made little secret of his desire for a new challenge, and has specifically identified the Premier League as his preferred destination.

“I need a new challenge. I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while,” Leao told Portuguese outlet Sport TV. “The league is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent, as a player. If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy.”

United and Arsenal have both been linked with the former Lille star, alongside Turkish sides Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. AC Milan are understood to be willing to sell for £43 million this summer, a figure that could attract serious interest from Premier League clubs given Leao’s profile and his own public enthusiasm for the move.

Fernandes’s public backing of a player strongly linked with his own club adds an intriguing subplot, though the United skipper’s message was framed purely around international camaraderie rather than any transfer agenda.