Manchester United handed surprise £17m boost, it could help them fund stunning bid for World Cup star

Manchester United are set to be handed a surprise financial boost of £17 million following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo - which could help them fund a replacement.

United announced the exit of the Portuguese legend on Wednesday evening, with the 37-year-old leaving the club by 'mutual agreement'.

The decision means Ronaldo is free to sign for a new club immediately, which will likely happen after the World Cup concludes. He is currently in Qatar with Portugal.

The Telegraph report that, had the footballing icon stayed at United until the conclusion of his contract, which was due to expire next summer, he would have earned around £17 million.

How, the same outlet understands that Ronaldo will leave Old Trafford without receiving any compensation, which would mean a major boost for United's finances.

It is also claimed that the player made up 10.5 per cent of the wage budget, which could help the club to bring in more reinforcements in the January transfer window - including a Ronaldo replacement.

And, although it would be an expensive deal, they have already been linked with a fellow World Cup star.

Man United linked with Kylian Mbappe

Following Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan being revealed earlier this month, the Daily Mirror claimed that United were already on the lookout for a replacement for the striker.

They reported that the club held interest in PSG and France star Kylian Mbappe, as one of the few clubs able to pay his wages and £150 million+ transfer fee.

But the Red Devils have been linked with other options, including Tottenham's Harry Kane, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

However, Manchester Evening News claimed earlier this month that it would be 'near impossible' to tempt Napoli to sell Osimhen in January, whilst Inter are still competing in the Champions League. Kane's situation seemingly depends on whether he extends his current deal with Spurs, which expires in 2024.

But Spanish outlet Fichajes report that United have identified Martinez as a possible replacement for Ronaldo.

The 25-year-old is hoping to star with Argentina at the World Cup - and United may well swoop when he returns to club football in December.