Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a Cristiano Ronaldo replacement as the Portuguese star looks to force his way out of Old Trafford after just one season despite ending as the top scorer for the club with 24 goals in all competitions.
The 37-year-old is said to be unhappy with the club missing out on Champions League football. The former Real Madrid and Juventus star’s priority is to move to a club where he can challenge for the top prizes in the game.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has already started looking out for options in the transfer market with Chelsea taking an interest in him. The entire saga has created an unwanted chaotic scene for the under-pressure United officials.
Whether signing Ronaldo last year was the right choice for Manchester United in the first place is up for debate but it is a fact that he is an important goal-scorer for the side. Losing Ronaldo will be a huge blow for the Manchester outfit who are eyeing a new era under manager Erik ten Hag.
In case, Ronaldo does leave the club, he will leave a big void in United’s attack. In such a scenario, United will have to make a new signing to bolster their attack ahead of the new season.
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So as Manchester United desperately try to convince and keep Ronaldo at Old Trafford, we are taking a look at four potential replacements if the Portuguese superstar goes on to leave the club.
Here are the 4 potential Cristiano Ronaldo replacement:
Paulo Dybala:
Mostly played as No. 10 or as a second striker at Juventus, Paulo Dybala could make the switch to the Premier League should United consider him a target. The 28-year-old is now a free agent after failing to agree terms for a contract renewal with the Serie A giants.
Dybala does not fit the same profile as Ronaldo and is not a proper striker but he has an eye for the goal. He scored 115 goals during his stay with Juventus including 21 goals involvement last season.The only issue could be his fitness.
Antony
An expensive option than Dybala but the 22-year-old is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford. The talented right winger from Ajax, Antony could allow Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial to move to the middle so he can provide a scoring threat from wide.
Jadon Sancho has not made as big an impact as he would have wished for so it leaves youngster Anthony Elanga the only other goal source for United. The arrival of Antony can revitalize the attack although he is not a direct replacement for Ronaldo.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin only managed five goals in 15 starts for Everton last season but it was mostly down to his injury that restricted him to offer more in the campaign. Also, the overall quality of the Toffees dropped in their relegation battle with little service for him to savour.
In truth, Calvert-Lewin is a hardworking forward known to score goals and bring others into the game as well. He remains a transfer target from high budgetary clubs in the league and a move to United could suit both him and the club.
Robert Lewandowski
One of the best strikers around, Robert Lewandowski can be a more realistic target now than in the past considering he has publicly made himself available. The Polish International desires a new challenge after reportedly falling out with Bayern Munich regarding his contract renewal that runs out in 2023.
He has chosen a move to FC Barcelona but the club is infested with a financial crisis. Manchester United could bring the Poland goal machine to Old Trafford if they are willing to meet Bayern’s demands.