Manchester United could finally ditch Cristiano Ronaldo by making a move for PSV Eindhoven starlet Cody Gakpo.
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Journalist Pete O’Rourke was recently speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the Dutchman and how he could make a potential move to Manchester, saying:
“Obviously, ten Hag, so far, has shopped back in the Dutch market, which he knows very well, with some of his signings.
“Gakpo will be another one. I think he’s a player who has real potential and could be a top signing for United.”
It was previously reported by Sky Sports that United were preparing a move for the attacker who is valued at around £35m, a figure that Erik ten Hag should have no grumbles about paying if it will improve his side.
Man United could ditch Ronaldo
Following dreadful results against Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford to open up their Premier League season, it's clear Ten Hag requires major quality in the attacking third.
With the situation regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future still uncertain (he top scored with 24 goals for United last term), Man United are considering terminating his contract and Gakpo could be the ideal man to come in and take his place in the squad, thus granting the Red Devils the opportunity to finally cut him loose.
The 23-year-old can play out wide or through the middle, meaning he can cover the positions Ronaldo usually plays with ease. Of course, it is difficult to ever replace one of the best players to grace the game but he does have qualities in the final third that could improve the Red Devils.
He scored 21 times for PSV last season, including a goal in the Dutch Cup final and it appears that he is ready to take the step up in his career.
The Dutchman is very much a livewire and is capable of scoring and assisting in equal measure, supplying 13 league assists as he demonstrated his selfless ability. Furthermore, he also completed 2.9 dribbles per game, a number that evokes that of a prime Ronaldo, who completed the very same number per match during Real Madrid's 2011/12 Champions League campaign.
Having been dubbed an “enormous talent” by Dutch reporter Wierd Duk, the Premier League could be his next destination, although that may well depend on if PSV makes it to the Champions League group stages or not.
Gakpo has registered an eye-catching three goals and three assists already this term and his side takes on Rangers in the play-off round to see who makes the group stage. If the Dutch side progress, Gakpo explained that “it’s more likely that I will stay.”
Ten Hag needs to act fast in order to bring some attacking quality to his team and he, along with plenty of other supporters, will be cheering on Rangers over the next two weeks.