After a massive transfer window, Manchester United were highly involved in the title debate before the season started. The return of Cristiano Ronaldo created a buzz around Old Trafford. However, the Manchester side have failed to live up to such expectations. The side will look to rebuild this summer with Erik ten Hag closely linked to the position but on the pitch, there is a new Manchester United target.
Manchester United Target Potential Cristiano Ronaldo Replacement
Who is Darwin Nunez?
Darwin Nunez is a young Uruguayan forward who plays for Portuguese side Benfica. Nunez has scored 31 goals in 36 matches so far this season across all competitions. Five of these goals have come in the Champions League. This shows he is more than capable of performing against the toughest of oppositions. After having such an impressive season, it’s no surprise Nunez is on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United Target: Red Devils Lead the Race
The Athletic reported that Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were among those interested in the Uruguayan prospect. Arsenal have also been monitoring the attacker but it is understood that they are more unlikely to make a move. Benfica have made it clear that they want to sell Nunez early in the transfer window to allow them plenty of time to bring in an ideal replacement. This means clubs will have to act fast if they wish to sign the Benfica forward.
Manchester United are currently sitting seventh in the Premier League, missing out on a Champions League position by six points. After a shocking 1-0 loss to Everton, Ralf Rangnick’s side look destined to finish outside the top four. This would be the first time they miss out on Champions League football since their 2016/17 campaign.
Many believe that Cristiano Ronaldo will not stay at the club should they finish outside the top four, meaning a replacement is crucial. Finding someone to fill the gap Ronaldo would leave is an impossible task. However, if Erik ten Hag does take the role of Manchester United manager this summer, it is believed he will do everything in his power to force a move for Nunez to Old Trafford. Nunez plays a very similar style of football compared with ten Hag’s Ajax side. He could be the perfect player to lead the attack during Ten Hag’s rebuild.
How Much Will Benfica Ask for Darwin Nunez?
Benfica manager Nélson Veríssimo stated that the club will seek a fee similar to what they received for Joao Felix. Atletico Madrid signed Felix from Benfica in 2019 for £113 million.
However, Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Benfica will not demand such a colossal fee. He revealed that the club would be happy to settle for a fee of around £67 million.
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