Ten Hag ‘pressures’ Man Utd chiefs for £70m Ronaldo replacement, club scouts ‘rave’ about teen winger

The summer transfer window was always set to be a busy one for Manchester United, but the drama at Old Trafford is starting come thicker and faster than many would have predicted.

Alongside a number of potential new signings, there are widespread rumours that talismanic veteran Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way out of the club just a season after making his sensational return to the North West.

With things only set to gather pace from here on out, the remainder of the summer is likely to be a tense and fascinating affair for the Red Devils.

Here’s Monday’s latest United-related transfer news...

Rangnick pushed for Ronaldo sale

Ralf Rangnick was pushing for United chiefs to sell Cristiano Ronaldo as far back as January, according to The Athletic.

Despite only sealing a return to Old Trafford months earlier, it is claimed that the Red Devils’ interim boss raised the idea of moving the 37-year-old on during the winter window amid concerns about his long-term future, and his effect on the playing style of the team as a whole.

The report states: “On more than one occasion Rangnick proposed to football director John Murtough and chief executive officer Richard Arnold that Ronaldo be sold, and replaced, during the January transfer window.

“There were said to be several emails and messages on this topic. Rangnick felt that as Ronaldo’s time at United was uncertain beyond the end of the season, it made sense to act sooner rather than later to reconfigure the side’s attack.

“Additionally, Rangnick believed Ronaldo did not represent United’s long-term success and that recruiting a player more suited to his high-pressing style might produce immediate dividends for the second half of the campaign. Murtough and [Richard] Arnold resisted.”

Ten Hag plans for life without Ronaldo

Erik ten Hag will pressure United chiefs into completing a deal for Ajax star Antony if Ronaldo is able to force a move away from Old Trafford this summer, according to the Mirror.

The Red Devils looked as if they had been priced out of a deal for the Brazilian after it emerged that the Dutch giants valued him at as much as £70 million.

But with a growing belief that Ronaldo is “ruthlessly engineering” his exit, it is understood that Ten Hag will “urge” the board to go all out in their attempts to replace him with a player who he knows well from his own time in Amsterdam.

United track Veron

United are tracking one of Brazil’s most promising young attacking stars, according to a report from the Mirror.

The Red Devils are understood to be “keeping tabs” on Palmeiras winger Gabriel Veron, with club scouts said to be “raving about” the 19-year-old.

Despite interest from a number of European sides, it was suggested that his current employers would resist any potential sale this summer.

The Mirror now claim, however, that their stance has softened, and that they would be open to transfer if their valuation of £10 million is met. Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon are also said to be keen on the versatile talent.