Darwin Nunez could be the answer to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo conundrum

At the age of 37, most footballers would be starting to think about retirement. Not Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Manchester United striker, who returned to the club from Juventus almost a year ago, continues to perform at the very peak of his powers, as highlighted by his tally of 24 goals this season in a team that often failed to entertain those watching. Although, bizarrely, he has been described as 'the problem' behind United's demise this season by some, the truth is, it does not bear thinking about where the club would have finished without him.

No United player even came close to matching the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's goal haul last season, with Bruno Fernandes the only other player to hit double figures in all competitions. Therefore, although United need to sign a replacement for the outgoing Edinson Cavani this summer, it is hard to imagine Erik ten Hag approaching the situation with an eye on replacing Ronaldo as his goal-getter-in-chief.

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The Portugal captain, even if his age suggests differently, should continue to spearhead United's forward line, as he brings unrivalled quality and, as Ten Hag said in his maiden United press conference last Monday, goals. That, therefore, raises a conundrum for United.

They need a new striker to provide competition and firepower to the frontline, but who would be happy to come to Old Trafford and play second fiddle, even if it is to one of football's all-time greats? It is a similar scenario to the one Tottenham Hotspur have experienced when they have perused a backup striker for Harry Kane in previous years, knowing that the England captain will remain ahead of whoever is drafted in.

Although Ronaldo is expected