Manchester United saw Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club by mutual consent back in November after his brutal interview with Piers Morgan.
Manchester United want a new striker this winter. And with the likes of Joao Felix and Memphis Depay being linked with moves to Old Trafford, it’s possible the club’s next No 7 could arrive this month. Erik ten Hag knows he needs a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo and, presently, the 37-year-old’s former jersey at the club is up for grabs…
Manchester United had been expecting Ronaldo to stay until the end of the season, despite the veteran struggling hit his usual heights following the appointment of Ten Hag as manager.
But they had no choice but to part ways with the veteran back in November after he’d given a critical interview to Piers Morgan about life at the club.
Now, United are looking to bolster their attack to ensure they can secure a return to the Champions League following their absence from the competition this season.
And with Felix and Depay two of the players on their radar, it’s possible their next No 7 could be announced by the end of the month.
United do also have interest in Wout Weghorst, with the Burnley flop being eyed amid his impressive resurgence at Besiktas.
He had initially hoped to wear the same No 79 he’d sported during his spell at Benfica but, ultimately, La Liga rules prevented him from doing so.
Felix, upon moving to Spain three-and-a-half years ago, opened up on his preferred number by saying: “I wanted the No 79, but they didn’t let me here.
“Then I wanted the No 10, but that was already taken, so I ended up with the No 7.
Given it’s the strip Felix wears at Atletico, it’s feasible he may wear it at United in the event of any potential move to the Premier League.
And it might also appeal to Depay, too.
The Barcelona star was given United’s iconic No 7 strip upon arriving from PSV Eindhoven back in the summer transfer window of 2015.
Big things were expected of the Netherlands international, who had also attracted interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain prior to his switch.
Things started well for Depay, who netted a memorable double during a Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge.
