Manchester United are reportedly exploring a move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, 24, with the Italian club open to a player-plus-cash deal that could involve Marcus Rashford. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Football Italia, United have scouted Leao extensively and are considering using Rashford, 26, Joshua Zirkzee, 24, or Manuel Ugarte, 25, as potential make-weights to significantly lower the financial outlay. While Leao possesses a €175 million release clause, United believe a deal could be reached for a cash fee of €50m–€60m if a high-quality senior player is included in exchange.
The Rashford situation and Milan's valuation
Rashford is currently approaching the end of a season-long loan at FC Barcelona, where according to Football365, he has registered 22 direct goal contributions (13 goals and 9 assists). Despite this resurgence in form, Barcelona are understood to be hesitant to trigger their €30 million buyout option, preferring a second loan or a reduced fee. This stall in negotiations has opened the door for United to use Rashford as a valuable asset in the pursuit of Leao. Former United striker Michael Owen, speaking to various outlets, has questioned the wisdom of a permanent exit, suggesting that as a "local lad" who would command "massive money," Rashford remains a player United should attempt to reintegrate into a more consistent tactical system.
Tactical rationale and squad reconstruction
The pursuit of Leao represents a Shift in the INEOS-led recruitment strategy, targeting a dominant left-sided threat to replace the attacking output lost during Rashford's decline in Manchester. Rashford signed a five-year contract extension in July 2023, keeping him on the books until June 2028, which preserves his market value for PSR calculations. By offering Rashford or the underperforming Zirkzee to Milan, United aim to circumvent the heavy cash requirements of Leao's contract while reshaping a forward line that has lacked a consistent plan of attack. Former defender Jaap Stam told the Daily Express that such a swap "could work," citing Leao’s profile as a necessary addition to the United squad. The success of any negotiation will depend on Milan's appetite for the offered players and United's willingness to officially move on from their academy graduate.
United are expected to formalise their interest once the future of the managerial position is fully clarified at the season's end.