Man United are preparing for life without Cristiano Ronaldo, and according to reports, already have a two-man shortlist of potential replacements.
That’s according to a recent report from the Telegraph, who claims the Red Devils are set to prioritise the signing of a new long-term striker to replace their iconic number seven.
Ronaldo, 37, is undoubtedly coming to the end of his United career and although playing a part for Erik Ten Hag, it is obvious the Portuguese megastar would prefer a move elsewhere.
Finding a club for him won’t be easy though. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is easily one of the sport’s most well-paid players and with his decline on display for all to see, it is unlikely Europe’s biggest clubs will be as eager to sign him as they once were.
Read more: Ten Hag praises Cristiano Ronaldo’s work rate
Nevertheless, with his contract set to expire next summer, it’ll only be a matter of time before the 37-year-old moves on. When it comes to potential replacements, there aren’t many attackers who have the ability to fill Ronaldo’s boots but the Red Devils believe they have identified two players who would be capable of leading their line.
Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko are thought to be on the shortlist with the latter the preferred choice.
Although spending this season with Salzburg, Sesko has already agreed to join RB Leipzig next summer (Bundesliga), so if United are to bring the talented 19-year-old to Old Trafford, they’ll either have to make their German rivals an offer they can’t refuse, or they’ll have to play the waiting game.
Vlahovic, on the other hand, only joined the Old Lady in the summer but with their European woes well documented, there may be a belief at United, assuming they qualify for the Champions League, that they could prise the Serbia international away from Serie A.
