David the Goliath? Man Utd target Canada star as Ronaldo replacement

Suraj Radia

• 26 Nov 2022 10:13 CST
• 2 min read

Manchester United have been keeping a close eye on Jonathan David during Canada’s 2022 World Cup campaign, with a view to making the Lille striker their replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

David has netted nine times in Ligue 1 this season and will be hoping to fire Canada to victory in their next game against Croatia, having suffered defeat against Belgium in their opening match in Qatar.

A positive performance could convince United to make a January move for David, with Lille believed to be willing to sell him for €50 million according to Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

SIGN HIM UP: David is a ‘€50m bargain’ to replace Ronaldo

Erik ten Hag will consider bringing in another forward in the winter after the immediate departure of Ronaldo, with the 37-year-old agreeing to leave without being paid the remaining value of his contract, believed to be worth around £15m.

Getting Ronaldo’s staggering £500,000 weekly wage off the books at no cost is a welcoming outcome for United after the Portuguese star’s explosive interview recently, which made his situation at the club untenable.

And it appears the club have already sounded out replacements, with David already having been scouted numerous times, meaning United could promptly secure the 22-year-old’s signing ahead of their rivals.

What will United do in the January transfer window?

United had expected a quiet January window, having spent more than £200m in the summer, but Ronaldo’s exit, while necessary, has left Ten Hag short-handed up front.

The club have just two senior strikers on the books in Marcus Rashford, who is seemingly preferred on the left-wing, and Anthony Martial, who has made just five league appearances this season due to injury.

A natural striker in David appears to be the most likely option, however United have held a long-term interest in Cody Gakpo and a move for the 23-year-old could be revisited after his eyecatching performances so far in the World Cup.

DOUBLE IT: Gakpo’s ever-increasing asking price

However, while Gakpo has excelled this season, grabbing 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for PSV, he, like Rashford, largely features as a left-winger.

Gakpo was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer before the club opted to sign Antony but the Dutch star’s form has seen him attract the interest of Real Madrid and Arsenal as well as United.

While he could cost more than David, both players are likely to be the top targets to replace Ronaldo as United look to push towards the top four in the second half of the season.