Man Utd open talks to sign Cunha upgrade who’s “one of the best in the world”

On the verge of Champions League qualification after defeating Brentford on Monday, life is good at Old Trafford as far as Manchester United fans are concerned.

They’ve gone from the chaos that was Ruben Amorim’s tenure to the excitement of Michael Carrick‘s interim spell. They’ve gone from the fearful to the feared in the Premier League in just a matter of months and it may just be enough to earn Carrick the permanent gig.

But there’s no time for anyone to rest on their laurels.

The portal to the top of English football is just beginning to open up again after years of being stranded in an alternate reality entirely and Man United must not waste their window.

Where Man Utd could strengthen this summer

In previous years, Man United’s pull power has come as a surprise. Even in disarray, they managed to lure some top talents to Old Trafford. They beat direct rivals to Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo last summer, despite finishing as low as 15th in the season prior.

Now, 12 months later, they’re on course to finish as high as third and should be in their best position in years to welcome even better talents. Just who those top talents are is the big question.

It very much seems as though the priority will be a midfielder this summer, with INEOS willing to splash the cash once again. And just like last season, the focus will be on Premier League talent, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson emerging as a top target alongside Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

Both would be significant upgrades on Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to head for the exit door, and solid long-term replacements for Casemiro, whose own exit is still taking place despite recent form.

Alas, it’s not just midfield that Man United are looking to upgrade this summer. With Champions League likely awaiting, INEOS are keen to welcome players fit for a European tour.

According to Football Insider, Man United have started talks to sign Rafael Leao this summer.

Former United chief scout Mick Brown told the outlet: “Man United want to sign a winger and they’ve been looking around. There are a few names I’ve heard, a few different players the club have been looking at, and Rafael Leao is somebody who has been brought up.

“It’s something they want to do quickly if they can, so they’ve been speaking to the people that matter, his agent and other representatives, to see what it would take. Man United want to seal a deal before somebody else comes in and changes things.”

Should they get a deal completed, then he would be an instant upgrade on Cunha at the heart of their attack.

Why Leao could take Cunha’s place at Man Utd

The Red Devils deserve a lot of credit for how they focused on welcoming Premier League experience last summer. Now, however, they need to take the same tactic into the Champions League. And that’s where Leao could emerge.

Described as “one of the best left wingers in the world” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Leao has proved himself on Europe’s biggest stage for a number of years now and could bring that experience to Old Trafford to take Cunha’s place.

The worst thing that Man United can do right now is settle for what they have. By welcoming competition for their star players, they have the chance to compete on all fronts thanks to key depth and discover who their top players really are.

It’s clear to see why Leao would push for Cunha’s place. In fewer minutes this season, the Portugal international has been involved in more goals and enjoyed better take-on success.

Historically, he’s also performed exceptionally well in Italy for a number of years now, notably scoring 16 times throughout 2022/23.

In the same team as a creator of Bruno Fernandes’ quality, those numbers are also only likely to increase. The Milan man has been waiting for a big move for some time now, and those at Old Trafford would be wise to finally deliver.

With 13 goal involvements in 30 Champions League appearances, Leao should be ready to take Europe’s biggest stage by storm for one of the biggest clubs in England if they make the call this summer.

It’s safe to say Cunha better watch out; that spot on the left flank may not be his for very long.

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