How Man Utd will line up with Gakpo as Ronaldo replacement

FT Desk

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are working to sign Dutch star Cody Gakpo as Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement. How would the Red Devils line up with the talented attacker in their ranks?

United's interest in Gakpo is easily understood. He plundered 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 games for PSV Eindhoven before leaving for the World Cup with the Netherlands, and has found the target for his country twice in two matches since.

Gakpo is valued at €28.5 million by Football Transfers' in-house algorithm but it is understood PSV could demand nearly twice that figure with a successful Gakpo showing in Qatar.

READ: Cody Gakpo's Man Utd asking price doubles

United nearly signed him for a fraction of that figure in the summer, but they can still afford his transfer. But where would he fit in?

Gakpo, like a young Ronaldo, is primarily a winger despite his impressive goal record, and his acquisition doesn't actually address the hole the Red Devils have in their attack. The 23-year-old does his best work from the left flank, so Marcus Rashford would likely have to continue at No.9 unless United also sign one.

As well as exciting fans, what his arrival does do, perhaps, is push Jadon Sancho closer to the Old Trafford exit door. With Bruno Fernandes a permanent fixture at No.10, the wide attacking areas are suddenly extremely competitive.

READ: Garnacho sending three players to Man Utd exit

United paid Ajax €100m for Antony - at Gakpo's expense - in the summer, while the recent rise of Alejandro Garnacho means that four players into two wide positions simply won't go.

Man Utd with Gakpo?

Further back, Erik ten Hag's first-choice XI is beginning to become clear. Harry Maguire may remain club captain for now, but Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are the Dutchman's preferred central defence.

Sancho maybe shouldn't lose too much heart, however. Luke Shaw's Man Utd career also looked to be on the ropes after the arrival of Tyrell Malacia, but the England left-back has won his place back from the new arrival in recent weeks.