Manchester United have designated Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos as their ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
United’s need for a striker has always been desperate, but with Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure, the situation has only become worse and more urgent.
Since he replaced Ronaldo against Switzerland, Ramos has been widely mentioned as Ronaldo’s successor in the national team. It seems that there is a possibility that this will also be the case at the club level.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports: “Goncalo Ramos is one of the names being discussed behind the scenes at Old Trafford. The club could turn to the man who has replaced the former star of his in the Portugal team”.
“Ramos was already being watched by scouts from several of the best European teams after coming out of the shadow of Darwin Núñez.”
“United was already closely monitoring Ramos’s progress, something Ten Hag appreciated when he took over as manager seven months ago.”
Edwards indicates in his report that the Red Devils insist they won’t overpay for anyone, including Ramos. This will be a big stumbling block after Rui Costa, the president of Benfica, publicly declared that Ramos will not be sold in January.
Costa reiterated that the striker will only leave if a top European club activates his astronomical release clause of 120 million euros.
United faces a dilemma, according to Edwards. Club bosses must decide whether to jump on the 21-year-old in January or wait until the summer, when they are likely to face stiff competition from other interested parties.
Everything indicates that the Red Devils wait until summer. Erik ten Hag is understood to have complete faith in Anthony Martial, the only other natural striker left in the ranks.
United’s position is further made worse by the fact that the Portuguese giants are in the last 16 of the Champions League and will undoubtedly enlist the services of their prolific goalscorer.
Beyond Ramos, United also maintain significant interest in PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo.
