"Silent assassin" - Man Utd tipped to sign player with "killer instinct" to replace Ronaldo

Canada national team head coach John Herdman has praised striker Jonathan David, amid reports linking him with a move to Man Utd in recent months.

Canada are preparing to participate in just their second World Cup in Qatar, with the nation having featured at the 1986 edition in Mexico.

Herdman has helped to transform Canada's fortunes since being appointed in 2018, having previously managed the nation's women's team between 2011 and 2018.

He guided the team to 33rd in the FIFA world rankings in February 2022 - the highest position in their footballing history.

They now sit in 41st, and qualified for the World Cup via the CONCACAF section. They will also play in the 2026 edition, as their co-host status automatically entitles them to qualification.

One of the big factors in Canada's rise, in terms of the playing squad, has been David, who plays his club football for Lille.

At club level, the 22-year-old hit 15 goals in 38 Ligue 1 appearances last term, and already has nine goals to his name this term in 15 games.

He also starred in World Cup qualifying, netting on nine occasions in 18 games and adding four assists. David will hope for a successful tournament in Qatar.

Herdman praises David ahead of World Cup

Speaking to talkSPORT, the England-born coach said: "Jonathan is one of those silent assassins.

"He's very clued up tactically, and that's what I really enjoy about Jonathan. He really wants to get into the details of the game, and understands the pressing tactics.

"The forwards, at times, want to understand other elements. He knows he's going to lead that defensive line, and will get into details of that with you.

"For him, he's a quiet player around the environment and a quiet presence, and has this killer instinct. Tactically very organised and very away, but with that instinct to be able to ghost into a penalty area and do what he does best, and that is score."

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He later added: "Everywhere he's gone to, he's shown he can reach the standard at that level and then exceed. The world is his oyster, in terms of his limits.

"If Jonathan heads to that next level, he will succeed."

Herdman's comments come amid recent claims that David is being considered by United as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, following the Portuguese legend's explosive interview given to Piers Morgan.

Last month, the Daily Mirror claimed that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag had drawn up a three-player striker shortlist - of which David was named as one of the forwards, alongside Bayer Leverkusen's Patrick Schick, and Lyon's Moussa Dembele.