Man Utd made ‘last minute enquiries’ over Ronaldo replacement at Old Trafford

Manchester United ‘made enquiries’ over strikers in case Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a deadline day move away from Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Ronaldo only returned to the Red Devils for a second spell last year, but there were doubts as to whether he would still be on the club’s books by the time the summer window slammed shut last week.

Which strikers were Manchester United linked with?

According to Football Insider, Manchester United failed in their deadline day bid to sign Espanyol star Raul de Tomas.

The report suggests the four-cap Spain international was open to leaving Espanyol after disagreements with new manager Diego Martinez and a switch to Old Trafford was attractive, but a deal could not be agreed after discussions were held.

Manchester United were not the only Premier League club to be linked with de Tomas, who has scored 107 goals during his senior club career, ahead of the transfer window’s closure.

It is understood that Aston Villa, West Ham United, Everton and Newcastle United have also been admirers of the Espanyol frontman.

However, with de Tomas having four years to run on his contract, the La Liga side were in a strong negotiating position and under no pressure to sanction his departure.

What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones understands that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was not desperate to sign a new centre forward after sealing the £86million arrival of Antony from Ajax.

However, the journalist believes the Red Devils did scour the market for a replacement in case Ronaldo left the club.

When asked whether Manchester United were interested in acquiring a striker on deadline day, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “No, they weren’t. They were happy with the Antony signing once they could announce that.

“Once it was clear that Ronaldo was staying, nobody was going to be coming in.

“Obviously, they made enquiries just in case Ronaldo left last minute, but none of that came to anything.”

Why have there been doubts over Ronaldo’s future?

Ronaldo made it clear that he wanted to leave Manchester United ahead of the transfer deadline due to his desperation to compete in this season’s Champions League.

Having already held a meeting with Chelsea owner Todd Boehly over the possibility of the 37-year-old heading to Stamford Bridge, super agent Jorge Mendes returned to west London for further discussions late in the window, but a move failed to come to fruition.

Mendes also approached Serie A giants Napoli with a proposal which would have seen Manchester United buy Victor Osimhen, only for the Italian side not to take advantage.

Although a transfer was not completed during the summer, there is still uncertainty over where Ronaldo’s long-term future lies as he has entered the final 12 months of his £480,000-per-week contract at Old Trafford.

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