At the age of 37, most footballers would be starting to think about retirement. Not Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United striker, who returned to the club from Juventus almost a year ago, continues to perform at the very peak of his powers, as highlighted by his tally of 24 goals this season in a team that often failed to entertain those watching. Although, bizarrely, he has been described as 'the problem' behind United's demise this season by some, the truth is, it does not bear thinking about where the club would have finished without him.
No United player even came close to matching the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's goal haul last season, with Bruno Fernandes the only other player to hit double figures in all competitions. Therefore, although United need to sign a replacement for the outgoing Edinson Cavani this summer, it is hard to imagine Erik ten Hag approaching the situation with an eye on replacing Ronaldo as his goal-getter-in-chief.
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The Portugal captain, even if his age suggests differently, should continue to spearhead United's forward line, as he brings unrivalled quality and, as Ten Hag said in his maiden United press conference last Monday, goals. That, therefore, raises a conundrum for United.
They need a new striker to provide competition and firepower to the frontline, but who would be happy to come to Old Trafford and play second fiddle, even if it is to one of football's all-time greats? It is a similar scenario to the one Tottenham Hotspur have experienced when they have perused a backup striker for Harry Kane in previous years, knowing that the England captain will remain ahead of whoever is drafted in.
Although Ronaldo is expected to be a part of Ten Hag's plans, United need to continue focusing on the future, as well as the here and now. Ronaldo turns 38 next February and, even though it might be hard to believe, he is not going to have too many more years left in the tank.
Therefore, United should consider their forward options beyond life with Ronaldo when looking to replace Cavani this summer. And if that is the approach they are taking, they should look no further than Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguay international, who turns 23 next month, has been nothing short of sensational for the Portuguese heavyweights this season, scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. He also chipped in with four assists, meaning 38 direct goal contributions in 41 matches is a hugely respectable record.
He has quickly become one of the most sought-after strikers on the continent and his list of suitors is continuing to grow. Benfica, according to reports in Portugal, are prepared to let him leave this summer if the price is right, but as soon as United are mentioned it is only likely that the fee will be inflated.
But United need fresh blood, and signing a striker is always going to be the trickiest avenue to explore; they are the players who everyone wants and goalscorers always cost a pretty penny. In Nunez, however, United could secure a player that is worth every penny, with his price only likely to increase as he continues to make significant progress.
But Ronaldo is the elephant in the room. Should United invest a huge amount of money this summer in a ready-made striker that is going to have to play second fiddle? Probably not. However, Nunez is capable of playing out wide on the left, highlighted by his tally of 10 goals in just five appearances from that position this season, as per Transfermarkt .
Admittedly, he is not a player that United should sign with a focus on him operating as a winger, but over time, once Ronaldo begins to slow down and his career nears its conclusion, he could make that move across to the centre of the front-three and pick up the baton.
Like Ronaldo, Nunez has the ability to score big goals in big moments. Just ask Ten Hag. He scored the goal that knocked Ajax out of the Champions League this season. He also scored home and away against Liverpool.
Nunez, just like several other players that United are being linked with, such as Jurrien Timber and Arnaut Danjuma, is on an upward trajectory, meaning his value will only increase. They should make their move this summer, even if it means deploying him out wide while he familiarises himself with his new surroundings.
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