€100m Man Utd target could be DROPPED

Tom Weber

• 1 May 2023 11:26 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are looking for a striker, and the latest developments in Portugal could change Erik ten Hag's transfer plans.

The Dutchman stated clearly that the Red Devils are in the market for a forward in the summer following his side's midweek draw with Tottenham: "Everyone knows, it’s not a secret - all season we have had a shortage of number nines...We have to cover many games. We need players who can strengthen the squad."

Indeed, United's well-documented search for what transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has called a 'proper number nine' has given rise to plenty of transfer rumours. Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen have been the most high-profile names, while Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos have been more leftfield shouts.

READ: Man Utd rival Chelsea for €50m transfer target

All would command north of €100 million, though with regards to the latter, United have been given something of a boost by recent developments at Benfica - or, looking at it from a different perspective, they could be deterred by that news.

Ramos' spot under threat

That is because Ramos' place in Benfica's line-up is under threat by the good form of Petar Musa. Roger Schmidt's Benfica have been one of the most exciting teams in Europe this term and Ramos had been a big part of that, recording 25 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this term.

The 21-year-old is, however, experiencing his longest goal drought of the campaign at the moment, and in his stead, Musa has stepped up, playing a crucial role in both of Benfica's goals against Gil Vicente at the weekend after coming on for the Portuguese. There are suggestions that Musa is in line to permanently replace Ramos until the end of the season.

READ: Bruno Fernandes vs Casemiro: Ten Hag WANTS feuding Man Utd stars

This could speed up Ramos' departure as the player has long since been linked with a move away, reportedly being unhappy after the club reneged on the promise of a pay rise made at the start of the campaign.

The 21-year-old has a €120m release clause and is under contract until 2026, but if Benfica are convinced that Musa is an ideal successor, they may be willing to listen to offers below that hefty fee - perhaps Manchester United will be compelled to swoop in, or will they be put off by his dip in form?