SURPRISE SIGNING: Man United signing 26-year-old Portuguese international as forward replacement

Manchester United eye 26-year-old Portuguese international as Ronaldo replacement

Manchester United have reportedly identified 26-year-old Portuguese international Andre Silva as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

A recent report from Fichajes has offered a comprehensive list of attackers Manchester United could target in this ongoing summer transfer window, in light of Cristiano Ronaldo’s uncertain future at the club.

While Manchester United’s interest in Patrik Schick has already been documented, the club are keeping tabs on yet another Bundesliga forward in the form of Andre Silva. The Premier League giants rate the 26-year-old highly and could make a move if Ronaldo departs from Old Trafford, after recently handing in a transfer request.

Formerly of AC Milan, Andre Silva has been a reliable goalscorer since arriving in the Bundesliga. He had recorded 45 goals in 71 appearances during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt before earning a move to RB Leipzig last summer. Although his move to Leipzig hasn’t quite been a success, the Portuguese international was still able to rack up 17 goals in all competitions last season.

Standing at 1.85m, Silva is a centre-forward, who is primarily known for his aerial prowess. He can be quite lethal from crosses and has an excellent sense of positioning that allows him to get into excellent positions. It makes him a lethal goalscorer, who has already plundered 51 goals in less than 100 Bundesliga outings.

Silva’s sensational goalscoring record in the German top-flight has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United weighing up a move for the Portuguese international. The Premier League giants are aware of Silva’s credentials and his ability to perform at the highest level of football.

Perhaps more importantly, the former Eintracht starlet can offer aerial presence inside the box, thus making him a like-for-like replacement for Ronaldo. Although the two are not on the same level, in terms of quality, Silva can certainly fit into the Manchester United setup stylistically and thrive under the tactical philosophy of Erik ten Hag.

However, luring Silva from Leipzig will not be easy. Although the 26-year-old Portuguese international was far from convincing last season, he did improve under the leadership of Domenico Tedesco, who will be keen on keeping hold of his services ahead of the coming season.

With Leipzig already losing a few star players in the summer, the club will be keen on retaining the services of Andre Silva as they look to mount a title charge in the Bundesliga during the 2022/23 campaign.