Manchester United could reportedly be offered Alvaro Morata or Antoine Griezmann in order to facilitate a deal where Cristiano Ronaldo completes a move to Atletico Madrid, according to The Times.
Cristiano Ronaldo Wants to Leave This Summer – Manchester United Need Replacement
Erik ten Hag shifts stance on selling Cristiano Ronaldo.https://t.co/ixfU60b3R3 pic.twitter.com/6dTn7ShGG1
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) August 15, 2022
The Club Will Allow Cristiano Ronaldo to Leave On One Condition
Erik ten Hag and his team were initially keen on their stance amid the ongoing Ronaldo situation – that he would be staying in Manchester. However, the manager has now decided that the Portuguese international can leave this summer so long as United are able to find a suitable replacement.
Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo Wants Manchester United to ‘Tear up His Contract’ Allowing Him to Leave on a Free
Ronaldo has been actively seeking a new club with his agent since the beginning of July, and it’s likely the Reds’ dismal start to the season has only enhanced his desire to leave.
Two losses in the two games with a total of six goals conceded and sitting rock bottom of the Premier League in 20th place is not the best look for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo Spent Nine Years in Spain Playing for Rival Club
Diego Simeone’s side are now showing interest in bringing the 37-year-old back to Spain. It would likely ruin Ronaldo’s reputation with his former club Real Madrid, as the rivalry between the two capital sides remains as fiery as ever.
Read more: David Ornstein – Manchester United in ‘Live Talks’ Over ‘Monster’ Midfielder After Latest Failure
Both Morata and Griezmann provide experience and proven goal-scoring ability, with the latter being linked with United in previous transfer windows. Whilst their ability may not be to the same calibre as the all-time Champions League top scorer, they are considerably younger than Ronaldo and may be more accepting of taking a stint in the Europa League this season.
Both Players Struggling to Hit Form in Recent Seasons
Griezmann has undoubtedly been in a rut in recent seasons; a fairly unsuccessful loan spell at Barcelona saw him return to Atletico Madrid in hopes of reigniting the prolific form he’s had for them in years gone by. From the 2014/15 season to the 2018/19 season, he netted over 15 league goals consecutively, as well as adding to his Champions League goal tally each year.
Similarly, Morata has struggled to cement his name in a team’s starting line-up wherever he has gone. He has also lacked the goals other strikers across Europe have continued to achieve. Unlike the French international, Morata has only ever been able to hit 15 league goals once in a season.
Read more: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
If United are looking for instant impact, letting go of Ronaldo for either of these players may not be the wisest option, as both are looking to rebuild their form.
However, if the club are willing to be patient, the chances of having either star for a number of years is more likely than with the Portugal captain, who has only one year remaining on his contract in Manchester.
