Manchester United plot £25m swoop for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos

Manchester United are interested in signing highly-rated Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, according to an exclusive report from the Sun.

United spent nearly £200 million on new signings in the summer transfer window, the second-highest spenders in Europe after Chelsea, bringing in the likes of Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Antony.

However, Erik ten Hag failed to sign a centre-forward, which now turns out to be a huge mistake this season.

First-choice striker Marcus Rashford looks a revived figure under Ten Hag, having netted three goals and two assists in six Premier League games.

However, he was absent in the last two games due to a muscle injury, and he is likely to be fit after the international break and return to action for the derby against Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Anthony Martial has been sidelined since August owing to an Achille’s injury, and his recovery could be longer than expected.

Cristiano Ronaldo has fallen down the pecking order of Ten Hag, enjoying only limited minutes this season.

Furthermore, the Portuguese superstar looks like a shadow of his former self, that enjoyed a brilliant goal-scoring last season. His decline also shows that he can no longer be the difference maker in United’s attack.

Ten Hag wants to reinforce the attack by adding top-class strikers this January or next summer, with Benfica’s Ramos on the wishlist.

The Portuguese striker has been in sublime form this season, netting ten goals and five assists in all competitions.

He was pivotal behind Benfica’s qualification to the Champions League, racking up four goals and two assists in the qualification play-offs.

United would have to fend off Newcastle United and Bayern Munich, who are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old.

Although he is rated at £25m, his stock could rise if he continues his impressive form throughout this season.

A January move looks highly impossible as Benfica wouldn’t look to part ways with Ramos midway through the season, while United’s transfer budget could be limited in the winter transfer exchange after a high spending spree this summer as well.