Manchester United confirm Cristiano Ronaldo return
The new season for Manchester United has just got going. Leeds and Wolves have been beaten so far, with a 1-1 draw with Southampton in between. There’s the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to come, too, with the forward recently returning from Juventus. But, with one eye on the future, Express Sport will now take a look at how things could change drastically over the next 12 months. Here are eight of our predictions…
But they still intend to go after Erling Haaland regardless, with the Borussia Dortmund strike a priority target for next summer’s transfer window.
United see Haaland as their future, as a player capable of bringing the Premier League and Champions League titles to Old Trafford.
And if all goes to plan, the Norway international will be leading their line next season. Which may lead to a new role for Ronaldo…
New Cristiano Ronaldo role
United know Ronaldo is for the short-term.
Though the forward wants to keep going for as long as possible, age is bound to catch up to him eventually.
And if United sign Haaland, it may actually be the beginning of the end for the Portugal international.
Ronaldo is unlikely to start most matches in the No 9 position, meaning he may have to settle for a place on the bench if the Borussia Dortmund striker waltzes in the door.
Man Utd's next 12 months will centre around Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba (Image: GETTY)
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United nearly lost Edinson Cavani on deadline day, with Barcelona coming close to snapping him up.
But while he’s at the club for now, it’s likely he’ll leave next summer instead.
Cavani won’t start too many matches in the wake of Ronaldo’s return, something the 34-year-old won’t be entirely happy with.
And given his determination to return to South America, it’s hard to see him extending his United stay into a third year. Especially if Haaland joins…
Declan Rice pursued (or signed)
United know they still need a defensive midfielder.
And while they were linked with Ruben Neves, it seems as though they’ll go after Declan Rice instead.
Both John Murtough and Solskjaer are admirers of the West Ham star, who has sparkled for the Hammers and for England over the past year.
So it’s possible they’ll snap him up, providing they can get David Moyes’ side to sell and are able to fend off competition from Chelsea for his signature.