Manchester United will have likely held ‘behind-the-scenes’ talks over signing a new striker at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag’s style of play incompatible with Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
The Red Devils splashed over £200 million on new signings in the summer transfer window but will soon have the opportunity to strengthen further at the turn of the year.
Who are United interested in?
Unsurprisingly, a number of strikers were linked with moves to Old Trafford during the summer window.
Among them was Napoli ace Victor Osimhen, with a swap deal proposed that would have seen Ronaldo head to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Red Bull Salzburg sensation Benjamin Sesko had also reportedly been targeted by the club, only for him to agree a move to RB Leipzig instead.
Rumblings in Spain over the summer suggested that United had seen a huge £110 million bid for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix rejected as well, while Brentford’s Ivan Toney appeared on their radar late in the day.
Despite spending such a huge amount of money, only one star was signed to bolster Ten Hag’s front line, in the form of Ajax star Antony.
What has Sheth said on the situation?
Sheth understands that talks may have been held regarding plans for a new striker at Old Trafford.
However, the Sky Sports reporter remains unsure that any pursuit will be made in the January transfer window.
Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “At the end of the day, you've got a situation where the striker that they've got there, in Cristiano Ronaldo, is not getting any younger.
“We all know that. We know how brilliant he is but he's not getting any younger and it seems that the way that Ten Hag wants to play, particularly in the Premier League, is not suited to how Ronaldo wants to play.
“I'm sure there will be talks behind the scenes for Manchester United along the lines of ‘yes, we do want to strengthen in that area.’ Whether they'd be able to do something in January is a completely different question.”
Do United need a new striker?
Last term saw Ronaldo bag 24 goals in all competitions following his return to the club despite their season ending in disappointment.
But the Portuguese informed his employers that he wanted to leave during the summer in order to continue playing in the Champions League.
The 37-year-old is Ten Hag’s only specialist centre-forward option so, although he has only been used sparingly this season, will need replacing down the line.