Manchester United have potentially been shown the way to their ideal Cristiano Ronaldo replacement by none other than Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
The Portuguese forward quit Old Trafford last month after seeing his contract cancelled by mutual consent following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. That sees current boss Erik ten Hag ’s attacking options dwindle even further with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial now the only senior forwards at the club.
With the January transfer window around the corner, the Red Devils are reportedly scouring Europe for attacking recruits with Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos apparently on their shortlist. It has been suggested in the past that United were attempting to beat Bayern Munich to his signature with a £25m swoop.
However, the asking price for the 21-year-old is expected to increase sharply following Ramos’ heroics for Portugal. He netted a hat-trick in his nation’s 6-1 demolition of Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16 - that sensational goalscoring display coming on his full Portuguese debut.
That has also followed a brilliant season for Benfica having netted 14 goals and provided six assists in 21 appearances in all competitions. His stunning season might not have happened though had his predecessor Nunez not waved goodbye to the Portuguese giants in the summer.
The Uruguayan netted 34 goals for the club last season and earned a £64m switch to Liverpool off the back of that. Speaking about Nunez, Ramos previously suggested that he would never have got his chance to lead the line for Benfica should he had stayed with the club.
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As quoted by Mais Football, he said: “The position I prefer and represent best is the attack reference position, the spearhead. But last year I was asked to play in support of our striker, who was Darwin, and I like it too.
“What matters is playing. Darwin’s departure made room for me or someone else to play. It would be weird if I said no.
“Darwin scored 35 goals or something. It’s great now to have the opportunity to play the role I like the most.”
Ramos - and former United forward Ronaldo - will hope to be in action for Portugal once again this weekend as the 2016 European champions attempt to book a place in the World Cup semi-finals. Fernando Santos’ men take on surprise package Morocco on Saturday afternoon at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Ramos has three-and-a-half years left to run on his current contract with Benfica amid talk over his future. United are also apparently set to target another World Cup star in the form of PSV and Netherlands wideman Cody Gakpo.
