Manchester United’s January transfers: Gakpo is the best option to replace Ronaldo

Manchester United don’t usually make signings in the winter window because it feels like clubs are reluctant to let go of genuine talent in the middle of the season. However, this time there is a pressure to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manager Erik ten Hag told reporters during Uniteds Spanish training camp World Cup a hack he wants to add to the attack: We’ll do everything we can. We will research all the possibilities and do everything we can if the opportunity exists to acquire them.

Here, The Athletic looking at the possibilities of moving both in and out next month and who will make the final deal.

The last three January windows

2022: 0

2021: 0

2020: 47 million

How much money is likely to be available this month?

Since the summer when United went over budget by 100 million, this winter window has been seen as an addition rather than a preservation. United’s first quarter financial results illustrated how much debt has been issued to almost a billion, when the bank only had 24.3 million in cash (in June 2019 they had 308 million).

But Ronaldos departure is increasing the need for a center forward and Ten Hag may still use his influence on recruiting to make money available. Agents are wondering what the sale of United will mean in terms of acquisitions, but some believe the owners, the Glazer family, would be wise to dip once more into a revolving credit facility to boost their Champions League football chances next season. A qualification after missing this season would increase the value of the club.

Who makes the most important decisions about signatures?

Ten Hag’s voice is the most prominent in terms of the identity of the targets, he had a decisive influence on the reach and costs Antony in the summer, but he works with a recruiting team that is increasingly data-driven. Ten Hag have a good relationship with director of football John Murtough, with the final signing coming from Joel Glazer. This continues even in negotiations over United’s potential ownership, and the mantra at Old Trafford is business as usual.

Joel, the most involved of the Glazers in club affairs, has continued to communicate with chief executive Richard Arnold about running United.

Erik ten Hag controls the moves (Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Steven Brown, United’s head of recruitment, supervises the scouts and compiles the information. Dominic Jordan, the club’s first director of data science, studies statistics. Murtoughs deputy Andy OBoyle is also involved in the discussions.

Murtough leads negotiations with agents and senior colleagues, and Arnold sometimes steps in when big bucks are tied up.

Which position is preferred?

Finding a striker that fits Ten Hag’s ideal was a primary requirement even before Ronaldos departure last month. Anthony Martial could get the job done, but has been sidelined by three different injuries already this season. He can’t be trusted. Marcus Rashford has played up front but is most effective from the left and may be needed there as a doubt Jadon Sanchos return due to both mental and physical problems. A teenager Alejandro Garnacho expected to get more playing time and Antony and Anthony Elanga there are options in the wings, but the situation is pretty harsh.

Right for the competitor Diogo Dalotwho had started 20 of United’s 21 games this season before missing his first game since the World Cup. Burnley In the Carabao Cup last Wednesday, there could be another claim. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had played just four minutes all season before being named in the squad to face Burnley but acquitted himself well, including his first assist in 18 months.

Ten Hag said afterwards: It is clear that Wan-Bissaka has a future. He had some good years at Man United and since the start of this season he has had a lot of sickness and injuries. From the restart he is fit and could train with the team.

It was a position that Ten Hag wanted to reinforce in the final days of the summer window by holding talks on the US international situation Sergino Destwho moved AC Milan instead in the loan Barcelona.

Who are credible targets?

Cody Gakpo becomes a topic of discussion again. United agreed personal terms with his representatives in the summer and the player himself was ready for a transfer, but Ajax raised Antony’s price, which prohibited additional spending. Since then, Gakpo has been enjoying a good World Cup, and Ten Hags’ liking for him has remained. The patrol department staff is in line with this thinking.

Gakposi’s best position is on the left wing, although he has started in the middle for Holland in Qatar. Uncertainty over Sancho means flexible players are particularly useful.

Consideration comes down to costs. PSV Eindhoven announced in the summer that an offer of 50 million would be required from Gakpo. The fee is protected by his contract that runs until the summer of 2026. PSV are also aiming to win the Eredivisie title for the first time in five years and believe Gakpo will be central to that aim. However, they have proposals for sale, so there may be room for maneuver.

Ten Hag works for the same agency as Gakpo. The Athletic it has been reported that Murtough met with SEG office managing director Kees Vos in Carrington in the past two weeks. Voss is a regular at Old Trafford and the pair meet regularly.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, his PSV colleague and former United hero who himself switched the Dutch club to Old Trafford 21 years ago, said last week: If I have a choice, I prefer (he leaves) in the summer, but it could also be now . You know there will come a time when you can’t say no.

Whatever money is spent will come from the summer budget, and Ten Hag will have to decide, along with Murtough and Joel Glazer, whether it’s the right call.

United could opt for a cheaper, more experienced striker.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Motings’ contract at Bayern Munich expires in June, so the 34-year-old Cameroon international could be available in March. Summer 2015 to buy Memphis Depay, now in Barcelona and on February 29, was offered to the club in the previous window. However, there are few attractive options in this fashion.

United have found out about the right back Bayer Leverkusenp Manchester City Academy graduate Jeremy Frimpong. But it is expected that they will only be looking for a loan signing in this position.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting could be another short-term strike option for United (Image: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Who could be leaving?

Wan-Bissaka was available in the last window and United are listening to offers even now. Crystal Palace contacted bring the 25-year-old back to Selhurst Park but were not prepared to offer anywhere near the 50m fee United paid to switch him in the opposite direction in 2019.

Under these circumstances, Murtough convinced Ten Hag to consider Wan-Bissaka further to see if he could regain his previous good form, but his only one. Premier league appearance so far resisted Liverpool in August as an 86th-minute substitute. However, he started both recent friendlies in Spain before continuing against Burnley with Dalot out injured in Portugal’s final game of the World Cup. Dalot, who had escaped João Cancelo in Portugal the team will not be ignored for long. A loan departure seems the most likely for Wan-Bissaka.

United are also expected to entertain negotiations Brandon Williamswho returned from injury in these games Cadiz and Real Betis. Williams moved on loan to the Premier League strugglers Norwich City last season and it may be that a permanent move makes the most sense now, as Ten Hag’s view on the situation is influential.

Axel Tuanzebewho had two loan periods at Aston Villa and Napoli last season, is available. But he is currently working his way back to fitness after the injury. Tom Heaton may want to ensure regular football after falling behind Martin Dubravka in pecking order.

Which World Cup star would be perfect for United?

Gakpo’s case is outlined, so there is an option Gonçalo Ramos.

Replacing Ronaldo in Portugal’s starting line-up in a World Cup knockout game and then immediately scoring a hat-trick in your first international start shows he has a granite mentality when he finishes in the match Switzerland was razor sharp. His overall game was also good.

It continued a profitable season for the 21-year-old man who rose after the summer sale Darwin Nunez To Liverpool to score 15 goals for Benfica.

Ten Hag likes Ramos, but again, cost would be a factor.

(Top: Goncalo Ramos, Cody Gakpo, Jeremie Frimpong; all Getty Images)