Man Utd open talks to seal their best signing since Fernandes in £40m deal

The Manchester United fanbase have truly been blessed with a catalogue of elite-level talents throughout the years, with Bruno Fernandes the latest to add himself to such a list.

The Portuguese international arrived as an unknown quantity to many supporters back in 2020, but it’s safe to say he’s now one of the Premier League’s best-ever number 10’s.

He’s now registered 140 combined goals and assists in his 226 appearances in England’s top-flight, subsequently averaging a goal contribution every 1.6 matches.

This season alone has arguably been his best for the Red Devils, with the 31-year-old now needing to just two assists to break the division’s single season record of 20.

He’s been the club’s saviour during the dark times at Old Trafford, but it’s crucial that the hierarchy make top-level additions to help take the weight off the attacker’s shoulders in 2026/27.

Man Utd make approach for £40m sensation

In an attempt to bolster the attacking department this summer, United have already been touted with moves for a a whole host of talents all across Europe.

Just a couple of days ago, RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande was once again mentioned as a possible summer target, with Liverpool also extremely keen on securing his signature.

It’s been reported that the Bundesliga side are demanding a fee in the region of £87m to sell the 19-year-old, who’s netted 13 goals across all competitions this term.

However, Diomande isn’t the only wide player currently in the Red Devils’ sights ahead of the window, with AC Milan star Rafael Leao once again appearing in their radar.

According to Calciomercato, United have already reached out to the Serie A outfit with an enquiry to land the 26-year-old when the window opens in June.

The report also states that the Italian side are currently demanding a fee in the region of £40m to offload the Portuguese international in the months ahead.

However, Milan are said to still have a huge interest in signing Joshua Zirkzee, which could lead to the possibility of a cash plus player deal between the two parties.

Why Leao would be United’s best signing since Fernandes

Over recent years, United have spent a small fortune to try and get back to the summit of the Premier League – but so far, their efforts have been to no avail.

The hierarchy have splashed out a reported £800m on new additions since the summer of 2022 alone, with many of the big-money signings failing to live up to expectations.

Just last summer alone, over £200m was spent on improving the frontline at Old Trafford, with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all joining the Red Devils.

Whilst the aforementioned trio have netted 27 league goals combined this term, it’s evident that the board are targeting added depth and quality into the final third.

A move for Leao would provide exactly that, with the AC Milan star a player who has constantly lit up Serie A and Europe over the last couple of campaigns.

He’s now registered 22 or more combined goals and assists in each of his last four seasons at the San Siro, with ten or more goals being scored in each one of those years.

This season, the 26-year-old has already netted 10 goals across all competitions, subsequently netting more than Cunha and Mbeumo during their first year in Manchester.

Leao, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 1.3 shots on target per 90 in Serie A this season – subsequently ranking him in the top 15% of other wingers in the division.

The aforementioned figure, coupled with his goalscoring tally, could certainly see him fulfil the hierarchy’s expectations of landing another top-level attacker this summer.

He’s also been a phenomenal asset with his chance creation, subsequently completing 84% of his passes, whilst laying on 0.5 big chances per 90 – both placing him in the top 8% of stars in Italy.

His direct nature has also caught the eye in recent season, as the Portuguese international has completed a superb tally of 1.3 dribbles per 90 throughout 2025/26. It’s easy to see why Milan coach Stefano Pioli once said that “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry”, cutting inside from the left flank and wreaking havoc.

£40m for a player of the attacker’s quality in today’s market would be a phenomenal piece of business and one that could take United’s attack to the next level.

His international experience with Fernandes could also play a huge role in his chances of success at Old Trafford, which could only benefit the club’s title chances next term.

Should he make the move and get anywhere near his compatriot’s levels in Manchester, such a move would no doubt go down in the history books for the Red Devils.