Manchester United's preparations for the 2022/23 campaign have been thrown into jeopardy following the revelation that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club in pursuit of Champions League football.
A report published by The Times on Saturday claimed that Ronaldo has told United that he wants to leave Old Trafford and he would like them to grant him an exit if they receive a 'satisfactory offer'. United quickly responded to the claims, reiterating that he is not for sale this summer.
New manager Erik ten Hag, who will take charge of his first match in just over a week's time when United face Liverpool in their pre-season opener in Bangkok, values Ronaldo's talents and wants him to play a key part in his plans this season. However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future at Old Trafford has been thrown into serious doubt.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo not returning to United training today
Should the 37-year-old leave the club, despite United, for now, standing firm with their stance on him, it will leave them desperately short of firepower at the top end of the pitch, with Edinson Cavani having left Old Trafford earlier this summer. Ronaldo is United's only current senior striker, so sourcing a replacement for him could soon become United's leading priority.
Here are some free agents they could consider:
Paulo Dybala
On United's radar three years ago, Argentina international Dybala is currently a free agent after leaving Juventus at the end of last month. Talks over a new contract failed to reach an agreement, meaning he is now on the hunt for a new club for the first time since 2015.
Aged 28, the Argentine is entering the prime years of his career, so his next move could be his last to a big-name club. Although he can drop deep and often play as a No.10 or as a second-striker, he is also capable of leading the line.
While there are bound to be doubts from some United supporters about the fact that he has only scored 20 goals in the last two seasons combined, he is a player that is not without talent. A fresh start at this point in his career could be exactly what he needs.
Andrea Belotti
After seven years at Serie A outfit Torino, Italy international Belotti is now without a club and on the hunt for his next adventure. He has been one of Italy's most consistent strikers over the last few seasons, scoring 13 goals or more in four of the last five seasons, with his tally of eight last season being the only anomaly, but that was because of a lengthy injury lay-off.
Renowned for being a physical striker who is capable of leading the line well, Belotti could be just the ticket for what United are looking for. He has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, almost joining Chelsea back in 2018.
Belotti might not be as flamboyant a signing as United's supporters may like, but he would be a sensible addition to bring the goals.
Dries Mertens
Another player whose time at an Italian club has come to an end is Napoli favourite Mertens. The Belgian, following nine years in Naples, has left the club after not signing a new contract.
Winning three trophies during his spell with the Italian heavyweights, Mertens netted 148 goals and grabbed 90 assists in 397 appearances. He was an immensely popular player and was one of Napoli's most consistent over recent seasons, scoring 80 times in the last five seasons in all competitions.
He has reached double figures in each of the last eight seasons, including his tally of 13 goals last term. But now at the age of 35, that will be United's biggest concern, especially when the goal this summer was to reduce the average age of their attacking options. Nevertheless, he knows where the net is and could be a short-term fix in an emergency.
Diego Costa
Perhaps the most controversial option, but Costa, formerly of Chelsea, is also available on a free transfer this summer after leaving Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro back in January. After scoring just five goals in 19 games, he made the decision to terminate his contract.
Although Costa's career has proven to be massively underwhelming over the last few years, there is a good player in there somewhere, as proven by his time at Chelsea. He netted 58 goals in 120 games for the Blues, including 52 in 89 Premier League appearances.
However, turning 34 in October and having been without a club since January does not make his stock particularly lucrative or appetising. But he could be considered as an absolute last resort option to bolster United's attack.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
READ NEXT:
- Roy Keane warned Manchester United were taking a risk with Cristiano Ronaldo
- Manchester United players return amid Cristiano Ronaldo absence
- Manchester United can't afford Cristiano Ronaldo transfer battle
- Manchester United aiming to complete five signings this month
- All the very latest Manchester United news, views and transfer updates
