Amid the clamor for new signings this summer, an even bigger task may have arisen for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United.
Recent reports in Spain have suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo may be considering an early departure from the club. AS have claimed that Bayern Munich could be looking at the five-time Golden Ball winner, who is said to be dissatisfied with the lack of signings made by United so far.
It is important to state that, for the time being, anyway, this is simply a rumor, and Ronaldo is still expected to report for the pre-season with United before the 2022/23 campaign. However, it raises an important question about life after Ronaldo for United.
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One thing has always been clear since the return of the Portuguese ace to Old Trafford: he will be the one to decide when his move to United ends. Given the almost constant speculation about his future and the position the club is in, it seems unlikely that he will extend his stay beyond 2023, when his contract expires.
Some will want a potential replacement to be in place this summer ready for the scheduled outing. Although United may have had their ideal transfer plan next year.
The club already knows all about Christopher Nkunku. In fact, if Ralf Rangnick had had his wish, he might already be a United player.
The former interim boss was a big fan of the RB Leipzig striker, and it’s easy to understand why. He scored 35 goals and 19 assists in 52 appearances last season, on his way to being named Bundesliga Player of the Year; These are the kind of numbers Nkunku would have had competing with Ronaldo at his best.
United never followed Rangnick’s suggestion, to the detriment of their top four hopes. All hopes that fans had of seeing him make the switch this summer have faded with just a fortnight in the window, with Nkunku putting pencils on paper in an extension to keep him with Leipzig until 2026.
Christopher Nkunku has signed a new agreement with RB Leipzig (Image: Getty Images)
However, there is a big warning with the new deal, and it is one that should give United fans reasons for optimism for next summer. Several reports have suggested that the French international has had a written release clause in his contract that will take effect in 2023, with the figure quoted no doubt within his reach.
It has been reported that Nkunku will be in play for about 60 million euros, a virtual bargain for a player of his position, especially if he picks up where he left off last season. As was evident with Erling Haaland and Manchester City, if you hang the carrot, the clubs will come to call.
And given the situation United could face soon with Ronaldo, they have to make sure they are in front of the queue when Nkunku is available. They’ve ignored Rangnick’s suggestion for long enough, but surely this would be an opportunity they just can’t afford to rule out.
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