Man Utd news: Rafael Leao drops huge transfer hint as 'dream signing' named

Manchester United's summer transfer prospects are on the up as Michael Carrick goes about improving his options

Manchester United have received word off AC Milan forward Rafael Leao that could influence their summer transfer plans. Michael Carrick is currently processing a whirlwind first six months at Old Trafford but has no time to rest on his laurels.

The same can be said for a number of squad stars, many of whom are preparing for the World Cup 2026 kick-off in a fortnight. But with only seven weeks until United's first pre-season friendly, even those with a summer break don't have too long before the action resumes.

That leaves time for a host of new arrivals to plant roots at Old Trafford before Carrick's men reunite in July. And Mirror Football has compiled some of this weekend's top stories as a couple of new names emerge in the rumour mill.

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Leao reveals United preference

The Portuguese contingent at Old Trafford could be set to grow by one if United decide to pursue a move for Leao this summer. And they've been encouraged to do after the forward shared his affinity for the club.

The 26-year-old has been linked with United in years gone by without such speculation bearing any fruit. However, the Red Devils may give the idea more thought as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could welcome another compatriot to the club.

"Yeah, of course," he said during an appearance on the Cernucci podcast when asked if United are his favourite Premier League club. "I like United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. So back then, I used to watch them. I like Arsenal also."

Better yet, it's suggested the player could be available on a cut-price fee after Milan missed out on Champions League qualification. The Rossoneri lost at home to Cagliari on the final day of the season and finished fifth in Serie A, which was only enough to qualify for the Europa League.

As a result, it's reported Leao's asking price could be slashed to as little as £43million, which is half the kind of valuations linked to his signature in the past. United's wings aren't believed to be a major priority heading into the transfer window, though Leao has come to be deployed more as a central striker in recent years.

The arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo strengthened United's wide areas significantly last summer. That being said, the departures of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho mean the left flank in particular could perhaps do with some reinforcement.

Osimhen dubbed 'dream signing'

United legend Patrice Evra has named Victor Osimhen as the one name he would bring to Old Trafford above all others this summer. Benjamin Sesko demonstrated significant progress over the course of his debut campaign at United but Evra wants to see more striker options at his old club.

Galatasaray spent a Turkish-record fee of around £65m to sign the Nigeria frontman last summer following a successful loan from Napoli. In addition to his supposed £250,000-a-week wages, another obstacle relates to reports that Gala have put a £130m asking price on their star.

Nonetheless, Evra believes his former employers should break the bank to sign one of the hottest finishers in Europe. Doing so would be a move straight from the Sir Alex Ferguson handbook as Carrick looks to fire his team to the next level.

"Osimhen. I have all due respect for Galatasaray, the love he gets there and what the player is like," Evra told Goal. "Man United need a proper striker, and I have so much respect for the strikers at Man United, sometimes [Bryan] Mbuemo. But back in the day, we had four amazing strikers, and if you want to play every competition, you need more strikers.

"Of course, you need some defenders, like an extra left-back, because you could have an injury and a right-back. Of course, Casemiro is leaving, so you need to replace those players. To name one player, I say Osimhen because I know these guys can make the difference."

Admittedly, there were portions of last term when United looked light up top, such as when Sesko was injured in late 2025. The likes of Cunha and Mbeumo each had trial runs leading the attack during that period but neither looked a natural fit in the role.

Osimhen helped Galatasaray retain the Super Lig crown this season despite a less prolific campaign by his standards. He finished the campaign with 22 goals and eight assists in 33 games all competitions, having seen his progress impeded by several injury setbacks.