Man United Set To Make Move For Superstar Forward To Replace Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal.

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview has put Man United’s recruitment team to work earlier than planned.

The Red Devils initially weren’t very keen to spend big during the January transfer window. But they are now forced to look for a new forward with Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford all but over following the controversial interview, wherein he criticised the club’s owners, the Glazer family, as well as manager Erik ten Hag.

United have been in desperate need of a prolific forward all season under Ten Hag, with Ronaldo struggling in front of goal. Further, his backup, Anthony Martial, has seldom been available due to injury issues.

Regardless, the club hierarchy planned to give Ten Hag a new goal-scorer next summer, but the Portugal international’s potential exit in January has forced United to bring forward their plans.

According to the Mirror, United have accelerated their plans, and are set to explore the possibility of signing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain mid-season.

The Premier League giants possess the financial might to pay the £150million-plus transfer fee to acquire the PSG superstar.

They are one of the few European clubs in a position to pay Mbappe £500,000-a-week. The departure of Ronaldo, who is the highest-paid player in the Premier League, will also make things easier for United in that regard.

However, PSG, who will face Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the Champions League, are going to be reluctant sellers.

It is understood that Victor Osimhen is also on their radar. The Napoli striker is a more attainable January target, but Mbappe would be the dream signing for United.