Man Utd coaches think they've already unearthed the 'next Cristiano Ronaldo' who won't cost them a penny

Manchester United believe they already have the next Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, it has been claimed.

Ronaldo left the club for a second time in December 2022, departing via mutual consent and signing for Al Nassr in a game-changing move for the Saudi Pro League.

Across his two spells, he scored 145 goals for the Red Devils.

But there are suggestions that United have a ready-made Ronaldo replacement at their disposal.

Alejandro Garnacho grew idolising the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and spent a brief period playing alongside him at United.

The Argentine, who joined from Atletico Madrid in January 2020, has imitated his celebrations.

But after a breakthrough campaign last season under Erik ten Hag, he's been one of the top performers for United this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions.

Only Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay have scored more than Garnacho this term.

And on a new episode of the Footballer's Football Podcast featuring Michail Antonio and Tom Cairney, host Rickie Haywood-Williams had some interesting information on the United winger.

Image: Getty

"People are saying that they reckon Garnacho is going to be," he said.

Cairney then got involved, asking "What, like the next Cristiano?"

Haywood-Williams added: "That's what they have been saying, that's what I've been hearing.

"We can’t predict these things but from the murmurings I'm hearing coming out of Old Trafford, they are saying that he has the potential to go to that level."

Ten Hag has always demanded more from Garnacho while former United winger Angel Di Maria advised him against impersonating Ronaldo.

Garnacho is still a Ronaldo fanboy but the Portuguese superstar might not be best pleased with his recent comment in a chat with a United fan.

The 19-year-old was asked who his favourite footballer ever is and replied "Messi".

The young supporter told Garnacho "Who? Oh Messi, Ronaldo is not going to like that!".

Garnacho saw the funny side however and laughed at the response.

• Alejandro Garnacho makes Lionel Messi comment that 'Cristiano Ronaldo won't like' during chat with Man Utd fan
• Alejandro Garnacho wears a Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr kit, he's the biggest CR7 fan
• How one family argument almost stopped Man Utd from signing Alejandro Garnacho
• How much Cristiano Ronaldo has earned in Saudi Pro League so far since leaving Man Utd