Man Utd chief Ed Woodward can offer perfect leaving gift after Gary Neville transfer claim

Solskjaer reviews Man Utd's 1-1 draw with Southampton

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Manchester United chief Ed Woodward should heed Gary Neville’s plea for the Premier League giants to go the “extra step” in the transfer window this summer. There is one audacious signing Woodward could target which would upset rivals Manchester City and make the perfect leaving gift from the departing executive vice-chairman.

After Sunday’s draw with Southampton brought United back down to earth following their opening-day thrashing of Leeds, Neville spoke about how United needed to sign a “differentiator” who could turn them into champions.

The former Red Devils defender was of course referring to Harry Kane, saying he couldn’t understand why his former side were not battling City for the Tottenham striker’s signature.

But there could be a cheaper alternative who would also help United reach the next level – and the sensational signing would be the perfect way for Woodward to say goodbye.

“I’m struggling to understand why United aren’t going that extra step in the transfer window,” Neville said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.

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He added: “I think Harry Kane gets them up to that 95 point mark. 

“They’re going to have to buy a centre-forward at some point – why not get the man now and give Ole the impetus to get to that 95 points?

“I think personally that Kane would be a differentiator.

The battle for Kane’s future is set to go right to the wire, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy holding out for a whopping £150m.

But another top-class forward could be available for less over the next seven days – amid intensifying speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the move.

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Ronaldo has been linked with a shock switch to City – but Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that he could join Paris Saint-Germain, with Kylian Mbappe being targeted by Real Madrid.

After Anthony Martial led the line against Southampton on Sunday, it is clear United need a better option – and Ronaldo could be that man.

If United were to hijack PSG’s interest in Ronaldo and swoop for their former star, he could make up the 15 to 20-point gap Neville spoke about and bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

With less than a year remaining on his Juventus contract, the 36-year-old would be available at a fraction of the cost of a swoop for Kane, although any club signing him would of course have to pay his astronomical salary.

But just like PSG’s capture of Lionel Messi, a move for Ronaldo would have bring huge commercial benefits, which would no doubt be right up Woodward’s street as he prepares to step down at the end of the year.

Ronaldo could be tempted by the challenge of turning his former club back into a genuine force both domestically and in Europe – and his arrival would provide a serious test to the title credentials of rivals City and Chelsea.

That could in turn make Old Trafford a more attractive destination for the likes of Erling Haaland when his release clause comes into play next summer, offering Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and football director John Murtough the chance to bring in a top-class replacement for the long term.

A statement signing like Ronaldo could also help persuade Paul Pogba to sign a new deal – and in the France star’s current for that would further bolster United’s ambitions of returning to the top of world football. 

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