Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been told he needs to sign a player like Ruud van Nistelrooy - who would act as the perfect replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo saw his Old Trafford exit confirmed last week, days after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan that inflicted irreparable damage on his United career. The 37-year-old openly admitted he "doesn't respect" Ten Hag and blasted the way the Red Devils are run before claiming owners the Glazer family don't care about football.
As a result, United sought to terminate the contract of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner - something Ronaldo appeared more than comfortable with, such was his desire to leave. In turn, Ten Hag is now on the lookout for a forward to fill the Ronaldo-shaped void in his side's front-line.
The Dutchman has already been instructed on what kind of profile he should try to bring to the club by former United ace Paul Parker earlier this year. Speaking to the Express, the two-time Premier League winner claimed his old side should be after someone in a similar mould to another Red Devils legend.
"I think United are going to have to do their homework and they're going to have to find someone who's got enough drive in them, who wants to score goals, who wants to play for Manchester United, who wants to make his name and become a great for Manchester United," he explained.
"A bit like a Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy was known as a goalscorer but he made his name, he established himself when he came to a big club like Manchester United at the time and he made it. Manchester United put him up there in the limelight.
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"I don't want to hear [Robert] Lewandowski, Harry Kane and all that. United don't need that. They don't need another 30-plus centre-forward at this moment in time. They just need a workaholic, back to basics as such."
The comments ring as true today as they did seven months ago, with Ten Hag seemingly in agreement with Parker, particularly in regard to the age profile of the next man to lead the line.
Ronaldo fell out of favour soon into Ten Hag's reign, which in turn inspired the kind of frustration that led to his furious interview outburst.
While his representatives are likely to be prowling the market for his next club, Ten Hag is thought to be keeping tabs on a number of younger forwards, including fellow Dutchman Cody Gakpo.
The forward has enjoyed a bright start to the World Cup with the Netherlands and a fantastic first half of the season with PSV Eindhoven - where he is managed by none other than Van Nistelrooy himself.
His previous ties with United could hand the club an advantage when it comes to the race for Gakpo's signature.
