Man United told to complete ‘£6m’ deal for Cristiano Ronaldo replacement after latest – ‘they’ve got to’, says expert
Noel Whelan has urged Man United to replace Cristiano Ronaldo with Marcus Thuram after his promising World Cup displays.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 25-year-old’s energy-packed performances “fit the bill” for Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.
According to German outlet Bild (18 December), Man United are interested in signing Thuram in January as a number of top clubs queue for his signature.
The France international is out of contract at the end of the season and thus is reportedly available for just £6million in the mid-season window.
Thuram, who has scored 13 goals in 17 club outings this term, made five appearances for Les Bleus at the World Cup – providing two assists.
Man United will have to do without veteran striker Ronaldo when they return to Premier League action on 27 December after he left the club by mutual consent last month.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “When you let go of someone with a pedigree and personality like Ronaldo, you can’t not go out and replace him.
“They’ve got to go out and get a player who can come in and counter-act that disappointment.
“Thuram looks fit, he can do the graft – he fits the bill for Ten Hag.
“He looked very energetic and talented during the World Cup and for £6million, you’re not exactly taking a gamble if you’re a big club like Man United.”
In other news, Man United have “concrete interest” in signing World Cup winner.