The USMNT captain has ‘carried’ Milan this season, sparking internal debates at Old Trafford over a blockbuster Premier League return.
Manchester United have been handed a compelling reason to complete a £70 million deal for AC Milan star Christian Pulisic. Former United goalkeeper Tim Howard believes the American winger is ready to emulate the likes of Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne by returning to England as a “finished product” after a maturing spell abroad.
Pulisic, who idolized United legend Wayne Rooney, has reinvented himself in Italy. Since leaving Chelsea for £20m in 2023, the 27-year-old has become a Serie A powerhouse, leading Milan’s title charge against rivals Inter.
The “Salah Blueprint”
Speaking on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast, Howard argued that Pulisic’s underwhelming stint at Chelsea should not deter United.
“I remember Kevin De Bruyne at Chelsea, I remember Mo Salah at Chelsea. They weren’t good enough, apparently, so they went abroad… they gained confidence, they came back to the Premier League and then it was game over, history was written.”
Howard insists Pulisic has reached that same level of football maturity: “He’s put AC Milan on his back… I think there’s actually another level for him at a club like Manchester United.”
Pulisic’s Explosive 2025/26 Stats
The numbers back up the hype. Pulisic has been one of Europe’s most efficient forwards this season:
| Metric | Stat (2025/26) | Notes |
| Goals | 8 | Joint-top scorer for AC Milan |
| Assists | 2 | Crucial in tight Serie A ties |
| Minutes Played | ~900′ | One of the best goals-per-90 rates in Italy |
| Market Value | £70m – £80m | Milan’s reported asking price |
The INEOS Gamble
While a midfielder like Elliot Anderson remains the top priority for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the need for a clinical left-winger has intensified following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
United face stiff competition, however. Both Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly monitoring Pulisic’s contract situation at the San Siro, with the player increasingly open to silencing his Premier League doubters.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
