Erik ten Hag has ‘chosen’ SL Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos as his number one target at Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has ‘chosen’ Goncalo Ramos as his number one target at the club ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to Calcio Mercato (h/t Manchester Evening News).
Cristiano Ronaldo recently departed the Old Trafford side. The 37-year-old’s untimely exit has led to the club looking to recruit a striker in January. As a result, a number of high-profile players have been linked with the Red Devils.
However, the 21-year-old’s current contract with the Eagles runs until the summer of 2026 (transfermarkt). The Primeira Liga outfit have no intention of parting ways with the striker for less than his €120 million release clause.
Ramos came up through the youth ranks at Benfica. He broke into the Portuguese side’s first team in the previous campaign. However, the forward has taken the mantle at the Primeira Liga outfit this season.
Roger Schmidt’s team sold Darwin Nunez to Liverpool in the recent transfer window. As a result, the 21-year-old has taken centre stage in the Eagles’ starting lineup. He has scored 15 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for Benfica in the current campaign.
Ramos also shone for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup. The 21-year-old scored a hat trick in the round of 16 for Fernando Santos’ team against Switzerland in Qatar.
The youngster replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Os Navegadores’ starting lineup in the knockout stages. But they were unable to make it past Morocco in the quarter-finals.
United recently parted ways with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. The 37-year-old’s exit has dwindled Erik ten Hag’s options in the attack, with Anthony Martial the only natural striker available at the moment.
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Thus, the Red Devils seemingly need to bolster their front line. However, will the Old Trafford side replace Ronaldo with Ramos in the upcoming transfer windows? Only time will tell.
