Manchester United have been put on alert after AC Milan forward Rafael Leao openly admitted that he has long admired the Premier League giants.

This summer, the Red Devils are expected to prioritise strengthening their midfield. However, Michael Carrick had previously acknowledged that the team could also benefit from adding a right-footed winger capable of playing on the left flank.

In recent weeks, speculation linking Manchester United with Leao has intensified, especially as the Portuguese attacker continues to face both personal and team challenges at San Siro.

Leao has been Milan’s standout performer in recent years. When the Rossoneri clinched the Serie A title in 2022, the skilful forward was named the league’s Best Player, having played a key role in their championship success.

Despite his past heroics, the 26-year-old has endured his most difficult season since joining the club in 2019. He has been booed by sections of the home crowd on multiple occasions, leading many to believe that a separation between player and club could be imminent.

Leao, who has been linked with several Premier League sides, recently spoke openly about his admiration for England’s top flight — and specifically for Manchester United and Arsenal.

“Of course, I watch the Premier League a lot,” said the Portugal international in an interview with the BBC, as quoted by Alfredopedulla.com. “I like Manchester United, especially because of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol, but Arsenal is also a team I follow on TV.”

When a player publicly expresses affection for a club to which he has been linked, it often fuels speculation about a potential move. In Leao’s case, his comments could signal a desire to leave Milan after a turbulent season. Earlier in the campaign, Milan were sitting comfortably in second place and even looked capable of challenging Inter Milan for the title. However, a late-season collapse saw them drop to fifth, missing out on Champions League qualification.

Leao also struggled to adapt when deployed as a striker in Milan’s 3-5-2 setup. With Max Allegri dismissed and a new manager yet to be appointed, the Portuguese winger could be weighing up his future after seven years at San Siro, perhaps feeling ready for a new challenge abroad.

The Sporting CP academy graduate’s words may prompt Jason Wilcox and INEOS to explore a potential move, especially with reports suggesting his transfer value could be around €50 million or even less.

Nevertheless, Carrick’s transfer priorities may have shifted recently, particularly following the impressive performances of Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left wing. While Cunha is naturally more suited to a central role and Dorgu originally plays as a left-back, both are expected to continue operating on the left flank next season, reducing the need for another wide player.

On the other hand, Manchester United still require reinforcement at left-back, especially if Dorgu continues in a more advanced position. Luke Shaw started every Premier League game this season, but repeating that workload will be difficult next year with the Champions League returning to Old Trafford.

Therefore, while Leao undoubtedly represents a high-quality option, signing him might not be a top priority for Manchester United this summer.