Most people who follow football will be fully aware of the speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. Be it due to failed promises and a lack of faith in the overall project or an inflated opinion of his own abilities despite the Portuguese star coming to the end of a remarkable career, it appears as if Ronaldo will almost certainly be out of the Old Trafford exit door in January, as revealed in an exclusive interview with Wes Brown. But is the hierarchy at the club ready to replace him?
With speculation now rife, there must be a contingency plan being put in place, although with the Glazers, nothing is guaranteed. A lack of planning has hindered on-pitch events for years, with the recent signing of Casemiro highlighting that there isn’t necessarily much of a plan when it comes to transfers. The Real Madrid midfielder was evidently some way down the list of potential acquisitions given the persistent link with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, but United missed out on the Dutchman, and then had to scramble around to find a suitable replacement at the last minute. Casemiro certainly could turn out to be a fantastic signing, but this shoddy planning is one of the many factors that has led to United’s demise. Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils certainly weren’t anywhere near as haphazard when it came to transfer market dealings.
Now, with Cristiano Ronaldo looking to set to leave the club in the January window, Manchester United’s hierarchy – and Erik ten Hag – must have learned from past mistakes and will be aiming to tie up a replacement for the Portuguese star early in the new year. The Red Devils are certainly short up front, particularly if the likes of Marcus Rashford and the injury-prone Anthony Martial pick up knocks. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a number of potential replacements for Ronaldo in January.
Tammy Abraham
According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma and England striker, Tammy Abraham, is a key target for Manchester United. With the forward himself reportedly keen on a return to the Premier League, a move to one of the biggest clubs on the planet would certainly appeal. Arsenal are also linked with a move for the former Chelsea striker, although the Gunners might not be able to guarantee him first team football.
Victor Osimhen
(Image via https://twitter.com/victorosimhen9)
While the rest of football will be focussing on the World Cup in Qatar in the build-up to the January transfer window, perhaps by enjoying some live betting opportunities and hosting some friends for the bigger games, Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria will be at home. Manchester United have been linked with a move for the rapid striker, with a deal far more likely given the fact that the Napoli frontman won’t be distracted by events in Qatar. Just how much he would cost is unknown, but Victor Osimhen certainly knows where the goal is.
Moussa Dembele
Reportedly long-term admirers of the former Celtic striker, Moussa Dembele is a goal-getter that Manchester United were after in the summer. The Lyon frontman has been persistently linked with a move to the club, with a January transfer seemingly likely should the Red Devils tempt Lyon into selling with a large offer. While Dembele isn’t the star name many fans of Manchester United crave, he could certainly come in and thrive just like he did at Celtic.
Gonçalo Ramos As reported by a number of media outlets, Manchester United are also monitoring Benfica forward Gonçalo Ramos. With the Portuguese giants reportedly valuing the 21-year-old at £25million, he is a striker who is certainly attainable. Just how interested the club are in him is unknown but he could easily be a candidate to replace Ronaldo at Old Trafford.