Three Strikers Manchester United Could Sign if Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves

If Cristiano Ronaldo leaves, Manchester United will need a replacement. But how do you replace the irreplaceable?

Cristiano Ronaldo is a once in a lifetime player, one that will always hold a special place in the heart of Manchester United supporters. But now, he is looking to leave the club for the second time. 

Unconvinced the club has what it takes to continue to challenge for honours and wanting to maximise the final years of his fairy-tale career, he has requested a transfer.

He has not joined the club on their pre-season tour, and Erik ten Hag has been vague when discussing the Portuguese international in his press conferences.

Having been the club’s main striker for the last year, and with Erik ten Hag confirming he is planning for the season with Ronaldo, his departure would be a big blow to the side.

However, it could give the team a better chance to shape itself in the long run, especially considering Ronaldo is not a natural centre forward.

We at UtdDistrict have come up with three options for strikers that United could sign, whether to replace him now or in a year where his contract is up, and where he will definitely depart.

#3: Brian Brobbey

One option could be a name heavily linked to Old Trafford in recent days. The RB Leipzig forward has previously spoken about his ambitions to join United. 

At the moment, however, Brobbey looks more likely to re-join his boyhood club Ajax, where he worked with Erik ten Hag.

The 20 year old centre forward is a physical powerhouse with intelligent off the ball movement. He would be inexpensive, and if Ronaldo leaves he could compete directly with Anthony Martial for the centre forward spot.

If Ronaldo remains he could easily act as an understudy to him, or be loaned out again then take over when the number seven departs in a year.

There are a couple of concerns with this signing however. One of them is the fact that he is relatively unproven, and the other that he may struggle with other aspects of centre forward play.

#2: Gianluca Scamacca

One option could be a player who bears a lot of similarities to a certain Swedish striker who was successful at United just a few years ago.

The Italian centre forward has had an impressive season for Sassuolo, scoring 16 Serie A goals in 25 starts. Scamacca has shown great technical quality all across his game, displaying an excellent first touch and a nice range of passes.

Standing at six foot five - just like Zlatan - he would be a great reference point for United’s attack and aged 23 still has plenty of time to improve.

Scamacca is also a good finisher, but can take too many low-value shots sometimes. If United were to sign him, he would need to improve on his shot selection.

One other concern to be wary of is the fact that in recent years, goalscoring numbers coming from Serie A have often been deceptive when moving from there to other leagues.

Whilst it would be wrong to smear all players with this, United would need to carefully scout Scamacca to make sure his qualities translate properly, but he could be a good fit at Old Trafford.

#1: Ivan Toney

Number one on this list is Ivan Toney. A player who just spent the last six months linking up with him for Brentford is about to move to Old Trafford, so why not complete the set?

Toney had an excellent first season in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and assisting five. His all round play was excellent, in many ways reminiscing of legendary Chelsea striker Didier Drogba with the way he was able to drag his side up the pitch and create for others around him.

Toney impressed a lot physically too, posting up almost every centre back he came up against with his aerial prowess. At 6 foot tall, Toney is far from short but you’d be forgiven for thinking he’s far taller than he actually is.

He gets into excellent positions through clever movement too and more often than not will finish his chances. Toney is the complete package at centre forward, and has shown signs he can be a top level performer.

The main concern is some of his off pitch antics. Last season, he appeared to make some insulting comments towards his club in videos that went viral on social media.

At Manchester United, this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. But playing for the biggest club in English football, it is less likely we will see this from Toney.

All in all, he would be a excellent signing for United and would fit Ten Hag’s football well.