Amid the hype for new additions this summer, an even bigger task could emerge for Eric ten Hague and Manchester United.
Recent reports in Spain suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo may consider leaving the club early. AS claim that Bayern Munich may be looking for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is said to be unhappy with the lack of signings from United so far.
It is important to say that for now, this is just a rumor and Ronaldo is still expected to report for the pre-season season with United before the 2022/23 campaign. However, this raises an important question about life after Ronaldo for United.
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One thing has always been clear after the return of the Portuguese ace at Old Trafford – he will be the one to decide when his time at United is over. Given the almost constant speculation about his future and the position of the club, it seems unlikely that he will extend his stay after 2023, when his contract expires.
There will be those who are eager for a potential replacement to be in place this summer, ready for this expected departure. However, United may have drawn up their ideal transfer plan for next year.
The club already knows everything about Christopher Nkunku. In fact, if Ralph Rangnik had fulfilled his wish, he could already be a United player.
The former interim boss was a big fan of the RB Leipzig striker and it is easy to understand why. He scored 35 goals and 19 assists in 52 games last season, on his way to being named Player of the Year in the Bundesliga; these are the numbers that would make Nkunku compete with Ronaldo in his heyday.
United never followed Ranknik’s offer, to the detriment of their four biggest hopes. All hopes that fans had seen him change this summer had now faded by just two weeks in the window, with Nkunku putting a pen on an extension paper to keep him in Leipzig until 2026.
Christopher Nkunku signs new deal with RB Leipzig (Image: Getty Images)
However, there is a huge warning about the new deal and it should give United fans cause for optimism for next summer. Various reports suggest that the French national had an exemption clause in his contract, which will enter into force in 2023, and the figure is certainly quoted in their scope.
It is reported that Nkunku will be grabbed for about 60 million euros – a virtual bargain for a player of his reputation, especially if he continues where he left off last season. As it became clear from Erling Haaland and Manchester City, if you pull a carrot, the clubs will come.
And given the difficulty that United may soon face with Ronaldo, they need to make sure they are in line until Nkunku is available. They ignore Rangnik’s proposal long enough, but it will certainly be an opportunity they simply cannot afford to turn down.
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