Manchester United have been linked with Rafael Leao this summer and the Portugal winger had a moment to forget in his latest international performance.
It was made public by Michael Carrick that Manchester United want a left winger this summer, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has emerged as a target.
Earlier this week, Italian media claimed United have made contact for Leao with Ineos stepping up interest in the 26-year-old star.
United have scouted Leao extensively, but staff won’t like what they saw when he was sent off for Portugal against Chile.
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Man Utd target Rafael Leao sent off in Portugal friendly
Portugal beat Chile 2-1 in their World Cup warm-up match and United captain Bruno Fernandes scored while teammate Diogo Dalot also impressed.
While it was a friendly match on paper, it wasn’t played as one, with both Portugal and Chile receiving a red card in a heated clash in first-half injury time.
United target Leao was sent off for striking an opponent after he was arguably one of Portugal’s brightest players in the first 45 minutes.
Chile’s Ivan Roman was also sent off for the incident.
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What Portuguese press said about Rafael Leao’s red card incident
Leao is all over headlines currently because of his links to United and the Premier League, and his red card has only shone more of a spotlight toward him.
Portuguese outlet A Bola gave Leao a 4/10 rating for his performance, and they didn’t hold back on his red card offence.
“He [Leao] hit the post in the 9th minute and was Portugal’s best player in the first half, but he ruined everything by being sent off just before half-time: he showed little judgment after Faundez’s ugly gesture towards Cancelo,” they wrote.
They claimed Leao “ruined everything”, and it is yet to be seen whether it also ruins his chances of an Old Trafford move.
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Outlet Bola Na Rede added: “He [Leao] lost his temper near halftime, assaulting an opponent, even though he wasn’t directly involved in the confrontation.
“The winger had a season below expectations, and this incident only reinforces the idea that he’s not at the level many expect him to be. His behavior was utterly childish and unprofessional.”
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