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As they prepare for a return to the Champions League, Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of adding AC Milan’s Portuguese winger Rafael Leao to their squad.

The Red Devils, who currently occupy third place in the Premier League, are just two points away from securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Although it remains uncertain who will be managing from the Old Trafford dugout next season, the club’s leadership is determined to reinforce the team ahead of European football’s return to the Theatre of Dreams.

After spending more than £200 million during the summer transfer window, United appeared to be heading toward another underwhelming campaign, sitting sixth in the table and already out of the Carabao Cup when Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January.

However, Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach has sparked a remarkable turnaround. Under his guidance, the team is now on the brink of returning to Europe’s premier competition after a two-year absence.

An early exit from the FA Cup has meant that Manchester United will complete the minimum possible number of fixtures this season (40). This lighter schedule has allowed the squad to remain relatively fit, with new signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko missing only seven matches combined due to injuries.

Participation in the Champions League will add at least eight extra fixtures to the 2026/27 season calendar, increasing the need for depth across all positions. Consequently, United have shifted their focus to strengthening their attacking options.

Rafael Leao has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, yet a transfer has never materialised. Manchester United, however, could now provide the opportunity for that long-anticipated switch.

According to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao is among the forwards on United’s shortlist as they look to add more rotation options to their frontline.

The report suggests that the top target on United’s list is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, but with the Birmingham-based club demanding a €100 million fee for the England international, Leao — valued at around €50 million — may prove to be a more financially viable alternative.

It is further suggested that United might be open to including a player in a potential swap deal, with names such as Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte, or Joshua Zirkzee being mentioned.

Rashford has performed impressively during his loan spell at Barcelona, though reports indicate that the Spanish giants are hesitant about making his move permanent.

AC Milan, meanwhile, are reportedly more inclined to accept a cash-only offer for Leao, as they too plan to rebuild their attack ahead of their own European campaign.

Leao has contributed 80 goals and 65 assists in 288 appearances for Milan and currently holds an estimated market value of €65 million, according to Transfermarkt.

Manchester United’s next Premier League fixture is against Liverpool, and a victory in that match would confirm their return to the Champions League for the upcoming season.