Manchester United fans must accept gutting reality about transfers after Darwin Nunez decision

Darwin Nunez has trended on Twitter for two weeks yet the summer transfer window only opened yesterday. You might not have heard about Nunez until recently, but the chances are that you're now more than familiar with the Benfica centre-forward.

Erling Haaland was Europe's most sought-after striker this summer and Nunez, 22, took on that status after Haaland was no longer on the market. Nunez scored 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica last season and that haul included six in the Champions League. The forward scored against Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, proving he could compete outside of Portugal's Primeira Liga.

Manchester United have followed Nunez's performances. Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, is the only recognised centre-forward at the club and Erik ten Hag knows he needs to strengthen in that position. Nunez has the profile of the type of player which United want to sign, but he's not an unknown quantity. Any player that scores goals in the Champions League and trends on Twitter is hardly a secret.

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Although Saudi-backed Newcastle share an interest with United in Nunez this summer, it's actually Liverpool that are set to win the race for his signature. United have been reluctant to get drawn into a bidding war, although the battle now seems to be over.

Benfica have valued Nunez at €100million (£85million) and reports on Friday afternoon suggested Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal that is close to that figure. United plan to spend within their means this summer, but it does feel like Liverpool have beaten the Reds to Nunez. Liverpool are currently superior to United in all departments and that includes off-field business.

It seems likely