Manchester United's five potential replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo
From Robert Lewandowski to Paulo Dybala – plus ANOTHER Erik ten Hag favourite and a £76m-rated star at Sociedad… Manchester United’s five potential replacements for wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo up front
- Manchester United could be forced to bring in a new striker for next season
- Cristiano Ronaldo is looking for a move away from Old Trafford this summer
- Red Devils transfer plans would have to switch to a striker search to replace him
- Robert Lewandowski and Paulo Dybala could be among options for the club
Just a year into Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational return to Manchester United, the Portuguese superstar could be set to leave Old Trafford in one of the summer window’s most shocking deals.
The 37-year-old scored 24 goals for United last year, but is said to be disappointed with the team’s campaign and is looking to continue playing Champions League football next season.
United remain adamant that their star striker is not for sale, although there is a feeling behind the scenes that letting Ronaldo – and his £500,000 wages – go could be best for all parties.
The Red Devils confirmed their first summer signing on Tuesday, with the £14.6million arrival of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. They also remain hopeful of securing a deal for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong and Ajax’s Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez.
But any departure for Ronaldo would mean a switch in transfer strategy for Erik ten Hag, who wasn’t looking for a striker as part of his rebuilding plans. Yet now a top-class goalscorer might shoot to the top of his list.
Sportsmail looks at five possible options to replace Cristiano that would sit in United’s budget and the new manager’s intended style of play.
Unhappy Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a shock exit from Old Trafford this summer
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
The obvious name to put forward. The Polish star has made no secret of his desire for a new challenge away from Bayern Munich and, despite the German side’s reluctant stance, is expected to exit the Allianz Arena.
Polish star striker Robert Lewandowski is seeking a new challenge away from Bayern Munich
At 33, Lewandowski is four years younger than Ronaldo and offers proven pedigree in front of goal. At a fee of around £45million he’d present good value, and although Lewandowski is being pushed to Utd and Chelsea, Sportsmail understands this is more as a tactic to get Barcelona to do a deal with Bayern.
The prospect of no Champions League football may not seem attractive to the Polish star, but his ability to link up play better than Ronaldo would be ideal for Ten Hag’s plan for United’s attack.
PAULO DYBALA
A name that United have been linked with in the past, Dybala is available on a free transfer after leaving Juventus and appears keen on United, but club chiefs are not thought to see him as a viable option as it stands.
Paulo Dybala would be available on a free transfer having left Juventus this summer
The Argentine plays as more of a second striker, rather than an outright No 9 at the focal point of the attack, but he can operate through the middle – although his goal numbers don’t match up to some other options.
It’s more likely the 28-year-old would be used as a false nine, much in the same way Dusan Tadic did so successfully for Ten Hag during their time together at Ajax. Dybala could complement United’s tricky wingers Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, however.
VICTOR OSIMHEN
If United really want to add an injection of youth into the frontline, then recruiting 23-year-old Nigerian star Victor Osimhen from Napoli would give them both a short and long-term solution to their Ronaldo-shaped problem.
Napoli’s young Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen would present a long-term option for United
The former Lille star has adapted to the step up in Serie A well, netting 18 goals last season and living up to his status as Napoli’s record signing. The Italian club’s interest in Ronaldo could also help as a tool in any negotiations for the player.
Osimhen offers more pace to Ten Hag, and his defence-splitting runs would present a frightening prospect to opposing defences when combined with United’s other attacking options. His ability to press from the front is just the attribute that would appeal to the new United boss too.
ALEXANDER ISAK
Many had expected the talented Swede to have already moved on from Real Sociedad, especially given his impressive showings at Euro 2020. But he could be an option for United, above Dominic Calvert-Lewin who doesn’t seem to interest the club despite being available for transfer from Everton.
Manchester United could be the next move for Real Sociedad’s Sweden star Alexander Isak
Isak has long been compared to former Man Utd star Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the natural heir in Sweden’s front line, meaning that the prospect of replacing another legend in United’s attack wouldn’t phase the 22-year-old.
The Swede, who scored 10 goals for the Spanish club last season, does come with a reported hefty £76m release clause. However, he would give Ten Hag a spearhead in attack, who could lead the line but may not hit the goal-scoring heights of the current No 7.
ANTONY
United and Ten Hag were keen on a move for Antony even before the need to replace Cristiano Ronaldo presented itself and it could become more pressing now if the Dutchman needs to reshape his attack.
Antony’s arrival would mean a change in system for United as the Brazilian is more of a winger
The Brazilian is more of an out-and-out winger than a traditional striker, so his addition would mean a change in tactics for United, perhaps with one of Marcus Rashford or the long unfancied Anthony Martial moving to the central role to replace Ronaldo.
Antony, 22, is said to be keen on linking up with his former Ajax manager once again but he could cost up to £70m.
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