Man United discussing options after Ronaldo exit

All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday afternoon as Portugal get their World Cup campaign underway with a game against Ghana. 

Ronaldo hasn’t played since the news broke that he would be leaving Manchester United, following his shock interview with Piers Morgan, during which he criticised a number of people including United boss Erik ten Hag and several former teammates.

Since the announcement, there has been plenty of speculation in regard to where the forward may move next, with several clubs rumoured to be interested in signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Now though, reports have revealed United’s plans in the wake of Ronaldo’s exit.

According to The Mail, The Red Devils are currently considering the possibility of bringing forward their plans to sign a striker.

United were intent on recruiting a new forward next summer when Ronaldo’s contract was set to expire, but the player’s departure may now tempt the Premier League side to consider a move in January.

Ten Hag’s side are left with Anthony Martial as their only recognised central striker, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga have also previously been deployed centrally.

PSV star Gakpo has been linked with United

It is suggested that United will be saving £500,000-per-week that would have been spent on Ronaldo’s wages following the Portuguese’s departure, and they may use some of that cash to fund a big money move for a forward during the upcoming window.

However, the report also claims that The red Devils may repeat the strategy that they used in 2020 when Odion Ighalo joined the club.

The Nigerian moved to Old Trafford on an initial six-month loan deal in January 2020, although it was eventually extended by a further six months.

If United decide to do the same this year and bring in a short-term loan signing, it would give those in charge of the club more time to decide on a big money recruitment for next summer.

Several names have been linked with the club in recent months, including PSV’s Cody Gakpo, who netted his first World Cup goal on Monday as the Netherlands defeated Senegal 2-0.

Gakpo, 23, has started the season in superb form, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists in 23 matches across all competitions.