Manchester United could be looking to sign a new attacker after it was revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club this summer.
The Red Devils have been rocked by the news that their iconic No. 7 is ready to quit the club this summer, just one year on from sealing a sensational Old Trafford return. The 37-year-old has reportedly requested to leave the club in the current window should a suitable offer arrive amid claims he craves to satisfy his insatiable appetite for Champions League football and challenging for major honours.
Ronaldo grabbed 24 goals in 38 games last season including 18 in the Premier League - the third-highest scorer in the division behind Mohamed Salah and Heung-min Son. Ronaldo only made a fairytale return to Old Trafford last summer following successful spells at Real Madrid and Juventus.
However, the Red Devils will need to replace Ronaldo if he departs the club and have been linked with a number of players in the meantime. So, with that in mind, here are five possible options Erik ten Hag could turn to.
Paulo Dybala - Juventus
Reports have emerged that United have been in direct contact with Dybala's agent Jorge Antun over a potential move for the 28-year-old free agent, with Arsenal also keen. The Argentine left Juventus last month after seven years at the club, where he scored 115 goals in 293 games throughout his time at the club.
Despite operating mainly as a No.10 or a second striker throughout his time at Juventus, Dybala can also play on his own up front and as a winger - the versatility United may require with Ten Hag willing to try out new ideas. Dybala struggled with injuries and fitness problems last season but still manage to directly contribute to 21 goals in 39 matches across all competitions, before his release from the club.
Antony - Ajax
Antony is a player that has been linked with a move to United all summer and he is reportedly keen on a switch to Old Trafford, reuniting with former boss Ten Hag. He scored 13 goals in 41 games last season as Ajax lifted the Eredivisie title, with Antony awarded with the division's Talent of the Month back in December.
Although the 22-year-old is predominately a right-winger and would not be a direct replacement for Ronaldo positional-wise, he can allow the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to fill that void on a regular basis and provide goals from out wide - something United struggled to do last term. Jadon Sancho struggled for form throughout the past campaign, while Anthony Elanga is United's other senior forward option at the club.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Everton
A hard-working forward, Calvert-Lewin has been tipped with joining United in the past - and even last summer after he struck 21 goals in 39 appearances during the 2020/21 season. Injuries and fitness problems has set the 24-year-old back as he registered just five goals last term but has still been linked with a move away from the Toffees.
Who should Manchester United replace Cristiano Ronaldo with if he decides to leave the club? Let us know in the comments below!
Despite that, it is easy to see why so many big clubs are reportedly looking at him, however if United legitimise their own interest, then it’s a deal you could see happening. Everton may be keen to keep Calvert-Lewin, though, after they let Richarlison join Tottenham Hotspur.
Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich
One of Europe's most prolific forwards, Robert Lewandowski could be on the move this summer after it emerged he wants to leave Bayern Munich in search a new challenge. Barcelona were one of the club's interested but their financial situation has seemed to cool the interest and are prioritising other targets first.
This could allow United in with a real chance to sign the 33-year-old striker, who scored 50 goals in 46 games last season. He has been at Bayern for the past eight seasons after joining from Borussia Dortmund and could be willing to test himself in the Premier League for the first time in his career.
Gianluca Scamacca - Sassuolo
Scamacca has attracted plenty of attention from a host of big clubs in recent months on the back of a strong campaign in Serie A last season, and it seems as though United are still interested in him despite rumours suggesting Arsenal are at the front of the queue.
However, if United were wise, they'd not let the Gunners have a free run at him. The 23-year-old took some time to establish himself at the highest level but across the last two campaigns, he’s really come to the forefront by scoring a combined 28 Serie A goals.
