Football: Manchester United looking to sign a new forward, says manager Erik ten Hag
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is in the market for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MANCHESTER - Manager Erik ten Hag said Manchester United are looking to bring in a new forward to plug the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo,
Ronaldo said, in the interview with Piers Morgan in November, that he felt betrayed by the club and did not respect ten Hag.
United then announced that the Portugal international, who rejoined the club in August 2021 after winning eight major trophies with them from 2003 to 2009, would leave immediately.
The BBC reported that the United boss is examining top-class No. 9 options.
Some players who have caught his eye, especially with their performances in Qatar, are his fellow Dutchman Cody Gakpo and Ronaldo’s compatriot Goncalo Ramos, even though neither fits the bill exactly.
PSV Eindhoven’s Gakpo, 23, netted the Netherlands’ opening goals against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar.
He was the only player to score in all three group games.
Apart from his goals, he has also displayed a knack for creating chances for his teammates – racking up 12 assists for PSV this season – and is deceptively quick and agile for his 1.93m frame.
“He has everything it takes to become a star,” purred Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal of his young ace.
Ramos, Benfica’s 21-year-old frontman, replaced Ronaldo in the starting line-up for Portugal’s World Cup last-16 win against Switzerland, scoring a hat-trick.
Asked if United were in the market for a new striker, ten Hag told reporters: “Yes, but only when we find the right player.
“We do everything that is in our power, so I do research on every opportunity that comes.
“We do everything we can if that opportunity will be there.
“I cannot give comment on specific players, I will never do...
“Each player is under contract and I respect that, but we make sure we are working in the background to get the right players in.”
United next host second-tier Burnley in the League Cup last 16 on Dec 21, three days after the World Cup final in Qatar. REUTERS
