Antony could get dream Manchester United shirt number after transfer thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United's plans ahead of the forthcoming campaign have been thrown into doubt amid claims that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club in pursuit of Champions League football.

According to a report by The Times, the 37-year-old, who returned to Old Trafford in August last year, has told the club that he wishes to leave if they receive a 'substantial offer' for his signature. United missed out on qualifying for the Champions League this forthcoming season after finishing a disappointing sixth in the Premier League table.

United, just as they did last week when reports emerged about new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly discussing Ronaldo's future with super-agent Jorge Mends during a meeting in Portugal, moved quickly to reiterate their stance that he is not for sale. He scored 24 goals last season and is seen as someone who will play a key part in new manager Erik ten Hag's plans.

READ MORE: Manchester United can't afford Cristiano Ronaldo transfer battle

Edinson Cavani left United last month following the expiry of his contract, meaning they are already a striker light. Should Ronaldo depart, the club would be left without a senior striker within its ranks, with both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford considered more as wide players.

Should Ronaldo depart, signing a striker would become a leading priority for United, even though they still need to add to several other areas of the squad during this summer's window. The Reds are yet to land their first signing and Ten Hag is understood to want to bring in five new recruits.

One of those targets is Ajax winger Antony. The Brazilian has been on United's radar for several weeks and Ten Hag sees him as the ideal candidate to solve the Reds' right-wing woes.

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