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Three strikers Manchester United could target to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

Sports Mole identifies three forwards that Manchester United could target as a replacement for the unsettled Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly asked Manchester United to listen to offers for him this summer, with the Portugal international determined to continue challenging for major trophies at this stage of his career.

The Red Devils will not be in the Champions League next term, having finished sixth in the Premier League last season, while they also ended the campaign without a trophy.

Ronaldo is said to be pushing to leave Old Trafford, with Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting Lisbon among those credited with an interest in the 37-year-old.

Man United are already light in the final third of the field, with Edinson Cavani leaving on a free transfer this summer, so an exit for Ronaldo would create a serious problem for new head coach Erik ten Hag.

With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three strikers that the 20-time English champions could target with a view to replacing their number seven next term.


Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Napoli's Victor Osimhen pictured on October 24, 2021© Reuters

Victor Osimhen's future remains the subject of much speculation, with the Nigeria international viewed as one of the best young forwards in world football due to his form over the last three seasons.

The 23-year-old scored 18 goals and registered six assists in 38 appearances for Lille before securing a move to Napoli, where he has managed 28 goals and nine assists in 62 appearances.

Last term, Osimhen - believed to be valued upwards of £80m - scored 18 goals and registered six assists in 32 outings in all competitions, and the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal are said to be admirers.

Man United have also been credited with an interest in the forward, who still has more than three years left to run on his contract in Naples.

The Red Devils will find it difficult to sign a player that is capable of matching Ronaldo's goal tally from last season, but Osimhen is developing into one of the most exciting attackers in world football.


Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick on March 8, 2022© Reuters

Robert Lewandowski has made it clear that he wants to leave Bayern this summer, and Barcelona have also revealed that they are keen to sign the Poland international.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Catalan outfit can put together the package required to sign the experienced striker amid their financial problems, which could open for the door for Man United.

The Red Devils would have no problem meeting the 33-year-old's wage demands, and they would be signing still one of the best centre-forwards in world football, which would certainly soften the blow of Ronaldo's exit.

Man United would face a huge task to convince Lewandowski to give up Champions League football for next term, though, and he is also thought to be dreaming of a switch to Barcelona.

Ironically, if the Catalan outfit decide to keep hold of Man United-linked Frenkie de Jong, they may not be able to sign Lewandowski, with the 20-time English champions potentially benefitting.


Tammy Abraham (Roma)

Roma forward Tammy Abraham with the Europa Conference League trophy on May 25, 2022.© Reuters

Tammy Abraham was excellent for Roma during the 2021-22 campaign, finding the back of the net on 25 occasions in 52 appearances, in addition to contributing five assists.

The England international scored 17 goals and registered four assists in 37 Serie A outings, while he netted eight times in 12 Europa Conference League outings, as Jose Mourinho's side won the title.

Chelsea inserted a buy-back clause into the deal that took Abraham to the Italian side in August 2021, but the Blues cannot activate it until next summer, which could open the door for Man United.

Abraham might feel that he has a point to prove in the Premier League, and the chance to lead the line for the Red Devils next term would surely appeal to the 24-year-old.

Man United would be reluctant to commit to paying a huge transfer fee for the forward, though, and Roma are in a strong position to keep hold of him, as his contract is due to run for another four years.

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Written by
Matt Law

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