Manchester United football director John Murtough and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are understood to have agreed on their next number one transfer goal, but any move will go against Cristiano Ronaldo’s best wishes.
United are off to a relatively stable start to the new season and are two points behind leaders Chelsea after seven games. Still, it could have been a lot better had it not been for the points lost at home to Aston Villa first and then to Everton. It was the frustration of an Old Trafford draw with the Toffees that sent Ronaldo off the field. leaving Rio Ferdinand to explain the situation.
Having spent more than £ 100 million this summer on Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, United is expected to end their five-year wait for the trophy.
However, spending is unlikely to end soon, with a January deal for Declan Rice reportedly given the green light.
And while the England man is very much on his mind for 2022, his number one focus remains on the signing of a new attacker.
With Edinson Cavani, 34, likely to leave, United have put their sets in Erling Haaland.
HaalandThe 21-year-old is the most sought-after player in world football for his feats in front of goal. The Norwegian international scored 28 goals in 22 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg in 2019-2020. Those numbers caught the attention of many people, but it turned down the biggest clubs to join the BVB for around € 20 million in January 2020.
The Scandinavian made a smooth transition to the Bundesliga, scoring 13 goals in 15 top flight appearances. He then found the net 27 times in the league and scored 41 goals in as many outings last season.
However, it seems that this season will be the last in the Bundesliga. That’s after his agent Mino Raiola inserted a release clause of around £ 68 million into his deal. That kicks in in the summer of 2022.
And with a plethora of interested clubs, the Manchester Evening News claims that Murtough and Solskjaer agree that United should make Haaland their top priority.
And since Haaland knows Solskjaer well from their time together in Molde, they will be hopeful of reaching an agreement.
However, the Daily Express claims that any move by Haaland could upset Ronaldo.
While he will be 37 by the time next season rolls around. His contract at Old Trafford will also have a year ahead of him. In addition, he believes that he will continue to play effectively until he is 40.
And any deal for Haaland will likely see his place on the side under serious threat.
Six Newcastle managers who were worse than Steve Bruce
Ronaldo wants to sign Chiesa
Furthermore, the newspaper claims that the Portuguese star would also prefer United to target Federicho Chiesa.
The Italian forward played with Ronaldo at Juventus and knows the player well.
Having become a well-rounded Juventus player in the past two seasons, Chiesa also finds himself a wanted man.
He had 15 goals and 11 assists in 46 games last season. This campaign is also underway, as he has scored two goals.
As such, Ronaldo is reportedly urging Solskjaer and Murtough to make Chiesa their main focus next summer.
Any deal for Chiesa, although it is likely to be just as complex, with players like Chelsea and Liverpool also interested.
However, Ronaldo’s relationship with Chiesa could give them an advantage if they decide to pursue a deal.
READ MORE: Newcastle ‘wants’ Man Utd raid for star already in talks with second suitor
–
