Erik Ten Hag Wants To Replace Cristiano Ronaldo With Ajax's Antony if He Leaves Manchester United

Erik ten Hag will urge Manchester United to buy Ajax's Antony as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, according to reports.

The Portuguese striker has asked the club to let him depart this summer, which would leave United with limited options up front.

Anthony Martial was poor on loan at Sevilla last year, while Marcus Rashford looked lost in a red shirt.

Ronaldo scored 18 Premier League goals last term, which led to his inclusion in the Team of the Season, but is said to want Champions League football.

Despite the goals from the forward, United were only able to finish in a measly sixth position.

That means it will be Europa League football for them next season, and the top goalscorer of all time in Europe's elite competition wants to remain in there next season.

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While United initially refused to comment on the situation, they later clarified that the striker is not for sale.

However, latest reports from The Mirror's Simon Mullock suggests that Ten Hag is now planning for the departure of the forward.

The Dutch manager will urge the club to replace Ronaldo with his former Ajax forward Antony.

United have been linked to the player for the majority of this summer.

However, recent reports have said that the Reds are unwilling to pay the £70 million price tag that the Eredivisie club placed on him.

Yet, Mullock adds that Ten Hag will put pressure on United to splash the cash on the Brazilian after it has become clear that Ronaldo is planning his Old Trafford exit.

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United's owners would realise the backlash that they'd receive with the sale of Ronaldo, while Ten Hag has been aware of the movement from the player's camp in recent weeks.

His solution would be to sign Antony, who is a flexible forward who mostly plays from the right.

It would be interesting to see how the Dutch manager would line his team up, since Antony was predominately a right-winger under him last year.

Previous reports have suggested that Marcus Rashford could be trialled as a number nine during pre-season.

The need for a Ronaldo replacement is stark if he does leave the club.

United will also be aiming to get deals for the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez over the line soon to appease the upset supporters.

Although, the most recent comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggest that a deal for De Jong might not be as close as first thought.