Man Utd's three long-term Ronaldo replacements

James Shearman

• 9 Jan 2023 20:57 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are in talks to sign Burnley striker Wout Weghorst on a short-team deal, but the club do have plans for a long-term solution.

Erik ten Hag's side are in need of a striker, with Anthony Martial the only option after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.

United legend Ronaldo left earlier this month after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan meant he was no longer wanted at Old Trafford.

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And Martial is not good enough to lead the line for a team that wants to compete for the Premier League title.

One would argue that Weghorst isn't either, but at least he will provide some competition for places.

Man Utd's striker targets

According to ESPN, United have Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko on their shortlist.

Kane is enjoying one of his best goalscoring seasons, scoring 15 times in 18 Premier League appearances for Tottenham.

But his world-class performances have gone under the radar as a result of Erling Haaland's incredible form for Manchester City.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson, however, thinks that Kane could put up similar numbers in a Manchester United shirt.

'In an age where clubs spend money for fun and world-class centre-forwards are a rarity, I would find it crazy if Manchester United did not break the bank for Harry Kane,,'' Merson wrote for the Daily Star.

Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to one of Europe's top club for a while now.

The Nigeria international has 34 goals in 51 Serie A appearances since leaving Lille for Napoli in 2020.

Benjamin Sesko, 19 years of age, is the youngest of the trio. He really would represent a long-term project as he probably isn't ready to start for an elite side just yet.