In a transfer window that has seen twists and turns from deals being hijacked to Manchester United being linked with over 100 players, the reported departure of Cristiano Ronaldo tops it all off.
With the recent reports of Manchester United phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo looking for an exit from the Red Devils, it is essential Manchester United look to replace the man that contributed towards 27 goals in the 21/22 football season.
In the current transfer window, it had been widely reported that Manchester United were actively looking to sign an attacker despite having Cristiano Ronaldo for another year.
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With sudden reports of the Portuguese superstar wanting an exit from Manchester United, the idea of bringing in an attacker now seems more important than ever.
With a quick search of squad players on the Manchester United website, it is shown that the only attacking options for the upcoming 22/23 season are Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Shola Shoretire, Tahith Chong and Alejandro Garnacho. Out of these eight players only two of them are regarded or have ample experience playing as a striker.
Should Cristiano Ronaldo get his wish of an exit from Manchester United, it would leave Anthony Martial to play as a sole striker in the upcoming season; and due to Martial’s recent form it will be ever so likely Manchester United will bring in a player who has the ideal experience to play as a number nine.
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Here are three possible signings for Manchester United should Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club:
Paulo Dybala – Free Transfer
If you are a Manchester United fan indulging in transfer activity, the name of Paulo Dybala would be all too common.
In 2019, the signing of Paulo Dybala to Manchester United was imminent, it had been reported that the players agents were discussing personal terms in England, with the Red Devils hoping to agree a swap deal with Juventus which would involve then Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku.
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Unfortunately this deal never occurred, with the transfer being called off due to the bizarre reason of image rights. Although the transfer never occurred three years ago, with the player officially leaving Juventus this summer Manchester United may look to reminisce on what could have been and decide to strike a deal with the Argentinian international.
The signing of Dybala would make complete sense due to the players' qualities as well as the financial side. With the budget of Manchester United looking to be severely affected due to not qualifying for the Champions League, the signing of Dybala would be cost efficient as well as not interfering with the current transfer targets of Manchester United.
Not only would Dybala be a smart signing financially but the Argentinian international fits the mold of a modern-day attacker. Dybala is mobile and lethal in front of goal and being left footed offers a different dynamic in the Manchester United squad.
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Should Erik ten Hag agree to sign Paulo Dybala, Manchester United may have a bargain on their hands as the 28-year-old enters his prime years with plenty left to offer.
Jonathan David - €50.00m
Jonathan David is a prospect that has flown very much under the radar in this upcoming transfer window.
The talented 22-year-old is a raw talent and has shown his ability in Europe's top-flight contributing to a Ligue Un trophy and French Super Cup for LOSC Lille.
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As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Lille are willing to sell players and with the transfer window looking bleak for strikers, Jonathan David could appear to be the purchase of the summer with the young attacker proving to be lethal in front of goal.
In the 21/22 season, Jonathan David provided 19 goals in 3,622 minutes with 3 of his goals in 8 Champions League appearances. Not only has Jonathan David been able to shine in European competition but the young Canadian striker will have the chance to shine in the upcoming World Cup with Canada involved in the competition since their last appearance in 1986.
With Manchester United last season struggling to put away chances, the clinical nature of Jonathan David upfront could prove to be an essential quality needed at Old Trafford.
As the player is only 22 years old, David could be a player United see a long-term vision for and should Erik ten Hag approve of the Canadian internationals signature, Jonathan David could prove to be a star in the making of the revolution taking place at Manchester United.
Antony - €80.00m
Although Antony may not be seen as a like for like replacement should Cristiano Ronaldo get his exit from Manchester United; Antony could provide a pivotal piece in attack for Manchester United.
Although the signing of Antony may be one unrelated to Ronaldo’s departure, the Brazilian international is high up on Erik ten Hag’s transfer wish list. Unfortunately for Manchester United and Antony the obstacle to this transfer is due to the price tag set upon by Ajax.
With reports stating that €80.00m is the price demanded by Ajax, it is unlikely that Manchester United will meet this price tag in a transfer window where the Red Devils will look to rebuild.
Although the price tag may be an issue, this transfer is one with the most legs to stand on, as it has been reported that Antony would like to join Manchester United with feelings being mutual from the Red devils' side.
Should the Brazilian internationals desire to join Manchester United persuade Ajax into lowering their demand then the prospect of signing the 22-year-old will excite many fans in the upcoming 22/23 season.
Antony has developed into an incredible prospect under Erik ten Hag and has shown his ability in the highest level of European football, being the Champions League. Antony in the 21/22 Champions League campaign contributed towards 6 score involvements whether it be an assist or goal in 7 games.
Not only has Antony been able to develop into a special prospect under Erik ten Hag at Ajax but should a move to Manchester United eventuate, the young winger will play a pivotal role helping Manchester United adjust to Erik ten Hag’s system.
With the three possible targets being named, the sad truth is that to replace Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at Manchester United will prove to be a challenging task. With the 37-year-old superstar looking to play Champions League football in his final years at the top level, should Manchester United replace Ronaldo the echoes of ‘Viva Ronaldo’ and the infamous ‘Siu’ will still be heard throughout Old Trafford for time to come.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, Antony, Erik Ten Hag