Manchester United will be fretting over the future of their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo heading into the upcoming World Cup break with the Portuguese superstar making it clear he wants to leave in the January window.
The Red Devils, despite a slow start to the season under the new manager Erik ten Hag, have bounced back in style and moved up to fifth in the league table after the weekend’s win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. For Manchester United live scores, check out Flashscore.com.
Ronaldo’s well-documented fallout with the United head coach Erik ten Hag has caused much uncertainty over the club’s affairs with the latter backed by the board to green light Ronaldo’s sale should that be deemed necessary. Despite the speculation that continues to persist over Ronaldo’s future, it is said that Ten Hag would be keen to sign a more traditional No.9 who can prove to be the difference maker for United in front of the goal.
The World Cup break has given Ten Hag and his backroom staff much-needed time to look for a fresh face to add to their attacking roster, here are 3 names we reckon could provide United with the perfect replacement to fill the void left by Ronaldo’s imminent departure –
1. Memphis Depay
A surprising name on the list to many would be that of the former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay who emerged as a flop signing for the Old Trafford giants when he made the move to United back in 2015, made 53 appearances to net just seven goals, and signed for French side Lyon two summers later.
Depay has since been an influential performer for both club and country but his recent fall down the pecking order at Barcelona has made his old club Manchester United keep tabs on his situation with Ten Hag credited with an interest in the Holland international should he be in the market for a cut-price signing.
2. Moussa Dembele
The Lyon talisman had emerged on Manchester United’s transfer radar last summer when Ten Hag was looking to add some more firepower to his attacking ranks with uncertainty looming over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future after the 37-year-old handed in a transfer request to demand a move elsewhere.
Ronaldo, however, ended up staying put with the Red Devils who pulled the plug on their initial discussions with Lyon over a swoop for Dembele’s signature. With the Lyon first-teamer’s contract status making him a top target for many sides across the continent, United will sure be seen fending off competition from the other suitors if they wish to bring the ex-Celtic star to Old Trafford.
3. Harry Kane
Pulling off a move for one of the most feared strikers in world football, the England skipper Harry Kane, would be a tough task for the United board and Erik ten Hag with Europe’s biggest clubs queuing up to make an approach for the Tottenham Hotspur dangerman.
Kane would certainly be the answer United’s front line is in dire need of with the Spurs talisman, with his rich experience of starring in the Premier League, likely to play the perfect partner to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony in the attacking third of the pitch.
