Man Utd to use 74-app attacker in proposal for Portugal whiz who’s just received World Cup call-up

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Stretty News

·19 mai 2026

Man Utd to use 74-app attacker in proposal for Portugal whiz who’s just received World Cup call-up

Manchester United will reportedly look to utilise Joshua Zirkzee in a player-plus-cash proposal for Rafael Leao.

That’s according to CaughtOffside, which adds that AC Milan would be willing to explore ‘creative offers’ that arrive for their star attacker this summer – despite his contract containing a £151.6 million release clause.

Vidéos OneFootball

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Rafael Leao: The state of play

United would’ve never been willing to commit to such a fee for Leao, so calling upon some of their own players who’ve been deemed surplus to requirements may be the best route to take.

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It was confirmed today that the 26-year-old, who’s tied to I Rossoneri until June 2028, had been included in Roberto Martinez’s World Cup squad ahead of the tournament getting underway next month.

Os convocados para o Mundial 2026 🫂🇵🇹 #VaiDarPortugal | @FIFAWorldCup
– mardi 19 mai 2026

Alas, it’s pretty safe to say that Leao won’t be focusing on the transfer speculation until Portugal’s campaign is finished, but that won’t deter United from testing the water once the window opens.

The Sporting CP graduate has returned 10 goals and three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions in 2025/2026.

His most prolific Serie A campaign for Milan came in 2022/2023, when he netted 15 goals and contributed a further 10 assists in 35 games and 2,430 minutes of action.

Leao’s record in all competitions for Milan

How is Zirkzee faring as of late?

As for the out-of-favour Zirkzee, he has endured yet another quiet season at Old Trafford, once again only being used in a sporadic role.

For the first time in 24 Premier League matches, Joshua Zirkzee scores for Man United! 👏 📺 @TNTSports & @DiscoveryPlusUK
– dimanche 30 novembre 2025

Of the 23 appearances the Dutchman has made, just five have come from the off, and only one of those starts has been under Michael Carrick.

He has scored twice and assisted once, making it no surprise that Carrick has had reservations over Zirkzee’s ability to lead the line or impact a fixture.

The 24-year-old is contracted to United until 2029, though it’s widely anticipated he will be on the move in the coming months.