Man Utd target Stoke flop to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

Robin Bairner

• 3 Nov 2022 08:31 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are targeting Bayern Munich striker Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting as a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a report.

Chouo-Moting is out of contract with Bayern at the end of the season but the indications are that FCB are ready to open extension talks with the forward, who was previously on the books of PSG but was more infamously with Stoke.

During his previous spell in the Premier League, the 33-year-old netted five times in 30 outings.

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His form for Bayern has been eye-catching in recent weeks, though. He has scored six times and laid on three more assists in his last eight appearances. Consequently, he has gradually earned more game time at the Allianz Arena, where he is the only remaining natural centre forward following the summer sale of Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona.

Now it has emerged that Choupo-Moting is being considered as a replacement for Ronaldo at Man Utd.

The Portuguese, whose deal is also up at the end of the season, is set to leave the club after struggling to earn game time this season. His departure is not forecast until the summer, but according to Media Foot, Man Utd are “seriously considering” a deal.

MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd: Goals, assists, results

Could Choupo-Moting make Man Utd transfer?

Choupo-Moting’s career in recent years has been based around surprise moves. No one saw a move to PSG from Stoke coming in 2018 and even after showing his professionalism at the Parc des Princes, a switch to another super club like Bayern Munich was not expected.

If he were to move to Man Utd, it would complete a hat-trick of unlikely deals – particularly since he will be 34 by the time next season starts.

Choupo-Moting has only twice reached double figures in league goals in any given season but his work ethic and professionalism are renowned. Nevertheless, it is expected that Man Utd would be looking for more than this from their new No.9 – particularly as they are a club not afraid to spend big.