Despite securing third place in the Premier League this season, Manchester United have identified the upcoming summer transfer window as a crucial period to bolster their squad.

The club’s primary focus currently remains on strengthening the midfield, with Ederson’s signing reportedly nearing completion.

In addition to Ederson, United are engaged in discussions for several other midfield options, including Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, while maintaining a long-term interest in players such as AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

However, the Red Devils are not limiting their recruitment to midfielders alone. The management is also monitoring talents in the winger and full-back positions. Lewis Hall is believed to be one of their preferred targets, should a viable opportunity to negotiate a deal arise.

Michael Carrick’s side have also been associated with winger additions, showing interest in Antoine Semenyo earlier in January before the player opted to join Manchester City instead.

Another name repeatedly linked with United in recent weeks is AC Milan’s Portuguese winger Rafael Leão, who recently indicated his intention to leave the Italian club following his commitments with Portugal at the World Cup.

Leão has revealed that he envisions himself playing either in the Premier League or La Liga next season, following a career that has seen him feature in Portugal, France, and Italy since 2019.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, in a recent YouTube update, stated that Leão particularly prefers a move to the Premier League — a factor that could strengthen Manchester United’s pursuit of the 26-year-old forward.

Romano elaborated, “The feeling around Rafael, and among those close to him, is that the Premier League represents the ultimate dream move and his ideal destination. He has received a few approaches from Turkish clubs in recent weeks, but Rafael prefers to wait, believing that his performances at the World Cup could open up new opportunities.”

The Italian reporter further noted, “He feels his time at Milan has come to an end. His dream destination is the Premier League, even ahead of La Liga. In a recent interview, Rafael mentioned Manchester United; a few years ago, he spoke of Arsenal. It remains to be seen which club and opportunity will ultimately align best for Leão.”

Romano also clarified that there are currently no advanced negotiations with any Premier League side and that certain challenges — such as Leão’s injury-affected season at Milan — may need to be addressed before any deal progresses.

Nevertheless, once the World Cup concludes, this transfer story is expected to gather significant momentum.