Lewandowski, Nkunku: 8 attackers Man United could sign if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly asked to leave Manchester United.

It’s a hammer blow to the club and a throws a serious spanner in the works when it comes to knocking their first Premier League season under Erik ten Hag out the park.

The Portuguese icon’s 24 goals were more than double that of United’s second highest scorer and his absence – should his wish be granted – would surely leave a gaping hole in the Red Devils front-line.

So, how could they replace him? It’s no easy feat. Ronaldo’s one of the all time greats and the whole reason behind his desire to leave stems from the club’s failure to achieve Champions League football, something which will be equally as unattractive to the rest of Europe’s elite talent.

It’s all well and good putting in a £150 million bid for Harry Kane, but with Antonio Conte at the helm and Spurs back in the big-time for the first time since 2019, he’s going nowhere.

Similarly with Karim Benzema, he’s just done the double with Real Madrid and there’s no way he’s heading for Old Trafford in the club’s current state.

With that in mind then, who represent United’s realistic options in the transfer market?

Robert Lewandowski

Now, before you jump on us, we are fully aware the brief specifies ‘realistic options’ and we appreciate this could be perceived as far fetched, but there’s method behind the madness here.

Whilst the prospect of missing out on Champions League football will hardly be an appealing one for someone of Lewandowski’s calibre, he is absolutely desperate to jump ship at Bayern.

A move to United would give him the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Premier League and that’s got to count for something.

Besides, with Barcelona struggling financially and Bayern