Man Utd could sign Cristiano Ronaldo replacement for just £4.3m in January

Manchester United could re-sign Memphis Depay for just £4.3million in January, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag’s side are short in the forward positions after Cristiano Ronaldo acrimoniously departed the club by mutual consent last month.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had been at loggerheads with the United manager for months, with the breakdown in their relationship culminating in Ronaldo giving an explosive tell-all interview to TalkTV.

Speaking to Piers Morgan, the 37-year-old admitted he felt “betrayed” by the Old Trafford club and claimed he had no respect for ten Hag.

With only Marcus Rashford and the injury-prone Anthony Martial capable of playing in the central striker role, United are on the market for a new forward in January.

While United are said to be interested in PSV and Netherlands striker Cody Gakpo, it is his compatriot that is most likely to come in as a Ronaldo replacement, according to fresh reports in Spain.

Depay to return to Man Utd?

According to Spanish outlet AS (via The Sun), United are considered favourites to sign Barcelona forward Memphis.

The Netherlands star had been linked with moves to Chelsea and Juventus in the last transfer window, but the 28-year-old ultimately opted to stay at the Camp Nou.

However, Barcelona are now ready to sell the player for just £4.3million, with United believed to be the club most interested in his signature.

A hamstring injury has restricted Memphis to just three appearances for the Catalan giants this term, and with the player's contract due to expire next summer, cash-strapped Barcelona are keen to cash in on the player.

Memphis had an unsuccessful spell with United between 2015 and 2017 where he netted just twice in 33 appearances.

However, the player’s subsequent move to Lyon saw him develop into one of Ligue 1’s best attackers, while he has been a consistent source of goals for his national team.

Indeed, the forward opened the scoring against the US on Saturday as the Netherlands gave a ruthless display in the World Cup round-of-16.

Goals from Memphis, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries helped Louis van Gaal's side to a 3-1 win and secure a spot in the last eight.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Memphis Depay, Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Netherlands

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.