Published Jun 3, 2026, 6:15 AM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

Fast-forward to the present day, Michael Carrick has led the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League and secured a return to the Champions League.

The 44-year-old will lead the Red Devils into the 2026/27 campaign, looking to build on his impressive start to life at Old Trafford and take the side up yet another notch.

INEOS have already backed the Englishman by handing him a permanent contract, with added reinforcements expected to be made during the summer window.

Man Utd enter talks to sign £40m attacking star

In an attempt to aid Carrick’s efforts of reaching the next level at Old Trafford, the United hierarchy have already commenced work to land a host of potential summer additions.

Over the last few days, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has emerged as one potential option for the Red Devils ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The Ivorian international has also appeared on Chelsea and Liverpool’s radar in recent months, with a deal in the region of £86m needed to secure his signature.

The youngster isn’t the only player who’s appeared in their sights, with AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao another who’s being considered by the hierarchy ahead of the off-season.

According to reports in Italy, Carrick’s men have already reached out to the player’s representatives over the possibility of securing a move during the upcoming window.

It’s been reported that the 26-year-old would like to depart the Italian giants ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with his current club open to a possible sale.

A fee in the region of £40m has been mooted to secure the Portuguese international’s signature, with Arsenal another side keen on securing his services.

Why Leao would be an upgrade on Cunha for United

United’s recent transformation under Carrick has certainly been welcomed by supporters, with the £200m spending spree last summer no doubt helping the cause.

Forward Matheus Cunha was just one part of the recruitment drive, as the Brazilian moved to Old Trafford from Wolves for a fee in the region of £62.5m.

He’s since enjoyed a superb debut campaign, scoring 10 times in his 33 league appearances - whilst laying on two assists for his teammates in the process.

The 27-year-old ended the campaign as the Red Devils’ third-highest goalscorer, subsequently nailing down the left-wing position as his own in Manchester.

However, his starting role in Carrick’s side could be at risk next term, especially if the hierarchy are able to strike an agreement with Milan for the signature of Leao.

The Portuguese international is a more natural left-wing option than Cunha - not to mention an arguably bigger talent when comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign.

The AC Milan attacker, who's been described as "one of the best left-wingers in the world" by Como scout Ben Mattinson, ended the 2025/26 season with more goal contributions - despite featuring in four fewer matches than the United star.

Such a metric undoubtedly makes him a more threatening option in front of goal - whether that be through his own goalscoring ability or his ability to tee up his teammates.

Leao’s underlying stats also highlight his dominance over Cunha, as the Portuguese international managed to complete more successful take-ons per 90.

He’s developed a direct nature to his play off the left-hand side at the San Siro, which once again highlights the added threat he poses compared to the Brazilian.

The 26-year-old’s end product is there for all to see, with his 44% cross accuracy rate ranking him above Cunha and 85% of other attackers within Europe’s top-five leagues.

His all-round dominance over Cunha could make him an excellent addition for United this summer - especially if the current £40m asking price is to be believed.

AC Milan's Rafael Leao before the match

Any move for Leao would offer Carrick’s side needed strength in depth at Old Trafford - something which is needed with the return of Champions League football.

However, it would be a surprise to no one if the Portuguese star were to dislodge the Brazilian from his starting role next term upon any move to Manchester.