- Rafael Leão’s life at AC Milan
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic speaks about the winger
- Manchester United’s plan to buy the player
Manchester United have reportedly sent a scout to monitor an AC Milan star. The club kept a close eye on Rafael Leao’s display against Juventus.
According to Tuttosport (via Milan News), United sent a scout to observe the Portuguese winger’s game on Sunday. After seven years at Rossoneri, Leao plans to leave the side this summer.
The timing couldn’t be better for United, who the Daily Mail claims are interested in the player. With Michael Carrick also in search of an inverted winger, the deal could unravel for the English side.
Leao wasn’t on the scoresheet for Milan in a 0-0 draw against Juve last night. But he’s already earned praise throughout his time at the San Siro.
Ibrahomivc on Man United Target Leao
Leading the side to the Scudetto a few seasons back almost single-handedly, the 26-year-old drew praise from a club legend. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic spoke of the quality his former Milan teammate possesses.
Ibrahmovic defended Leao after he missed several chances in another 0-0 draw against Juve back in October. He called him ‘magic’ and acknowledged his role in winning the 2021-22 Serie A title:
“I was in the locker room. Everyone was angry, everyone, Allegri, because we could have won,and even Leao, who had missed two goals. Let’s remember that during pre-season he was the best, then he was out for two months, now he has to get back in shape.”
Ibrahimovic stressed the player’s impact on the team:
“Of course, we expect magic, because Leao is magic! Of course, we’ll always talk about him, because he’s one of the best players in the world, and I’m not saying this for marketing purposes, but because I played football.”
Leao was made to walk in fire after Italian media criticised him for his performance, work rate, and consistency. However, it didn’t stop there, as Massimiliano Allegri reportedly went all out on the team in the dressing room after the draw against the Old Lady. When word reached Ibrahimovic, he didn’t hold back, offering his own take on the confrontation.
Could Leao be the answer for Man United?
After leading the Italian side to their first Scudetto in 11 years, the Portuguese attacker seems to have reached a climax at Milan. That season, he was also named the Serie A MVP of the Year.
Earlier this year, United interim coach Carrick admitted the team needed a perfect winger. Rather than staying wide, Matheus Cunha naturally moves to the centre, influencing play from the midpoint.
As of now, Milan’s asking price for the attacker is between €50 million (£43m) and €60 million (£52m), with his contract expiring in 2028, reports Stretty News. However, United face stiff competition from Manchester City, Liverpool, and Real Madrid in the race for the player.
| 25/26 stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Rafael Leao | 26 | 9 | 3 |
Source- Fotmob
Even though Leao has all the technical ability needed to become a hit at Old Trafford, his complacent approach could be a problem.
