Manchester United have one attacking option less than what they started the season with after Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock departure last month.
The 37-year-old looked to be on his way out last summer but ended up staying and Erik ten Hag has used the Portuguese forward regularly in the Europa League.
Now, ahead of the resumption of club football in less than a fortnight, United are on the hunt for a new striker and Ten Hag has confirmed that he is keen on adding options in the final third.
Goncalo Ramos, the Portugal star, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford lately and ironically, he is also the player who replaced Ronaldo for their final two games in the World Cup.
Earlier on Sunday, it was reported by journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that United had scouts in place to watch the Benfica star in action against Morocco. Now, suggestions that United could be interested are gaining momentum.
United’s interest in Ramos is confirmed by the Telegraph, who add that United were already tracking Ramos’ development prior to his emergence for Portugal.
It is, however, claimed that United are wary of overpaying for Ramos and will not do so in January, with Ten Hag keeping faith in Anthony Martial despite the Frenchman’s injury history.
Martial has started just two league games this season and has battled injuries for several years but he is, evidently, one of Ten Hag’s favourites.
The former Monaco star was immediately installed as the first-choice forward when Ten Hag took over last summer and whenever he has been fit, he has been used by the Dutchman.
SN’s verdict…
By the sound of it, Ten Hag is willing to offset a deal for Ramos due to his confidence in Martial and although that’s something you want from your manager, Martial’s injury record does not fill supporters with confidence.
It is becoming increasingly clear with every week that United are missing a goalscorer and Martial can be that player but his availability is the biggest issue.
Ramos has developed rapidly since Darwin Nunez left Benfica earlier this year and United may regret not making a move for him early on but the financials will ultimately be the deciding factor.
