Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has major doubts over whether Cristiano Ronaldo can lead the club’s attack next season, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Ronaldo’s run of one goal in 10 games has seen Rangnick’s patience wear thin, sources told MEN, and with Rangnick moving into a consultant role in the summer, identifying a young striker capable of spearheading United’s attack will be at the top of his priorities.
There is no guaranteeing Ronaldo will stay anyway, particularly if United fail to finish in the top four, which would in turn see the club struggle to attract the calibre of player they are after. An Erling Haaland or Harry Kane. Either way, the excitement Ronaldo’s return garnered feels like an age ago now.
Meanwhile, United will not be making a summer move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen given the Serie A club value the Nigerian international at £100m, the Daily Star reports. Osimhen moved to Napoli for €70m from Lille in 2022, and the club are evidently eager to make a tidy profit amid interest in the forward, who is on Rangnick’s radar in light of their need for a striker.
Rather, United have stepped up their interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Joao Palhinha, The Sun reports, with scouts sent out to watch the 26-year-old in action eight times already this season.
With a summer bid in the offing, United are monitoring whether Palhinha is the right defensive midfielder to solve the club’s issues in this position, and the Red Devils are hopeful of a £25m offer being enough to secure his services.
In a related development, Barcelona may have a host of brilliant midfielders in their ranks already, but that is not stopping the rumor mill claiming there is continued interest in AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
The Ivorian is out of contract in the summer and expected to move on, with Barcelona one of several clubs being linked with the 25-year-old.
The latest update comes from Gianluca Di Marzio who reports Barca have stepped things up recently and have made an offer to Kessie.
The Catalans are apparently willing to pay him €6.5 million a year if he agrees to make the move to the Camp Nou this summer.
It seems like Kessie has not yet decided on his next move but he wants his future wrapped up pretty soon and is tempted to play for Barcelona.
The report also reckons that Barcelona right now are in pole position to land Kessie and the next few days could be “decisive” when it comes to the midfielder’s future. –Eurosport
