Five strikers Man Utd could sign in January window after giving Ronaldo the boot

Cristiano Ronaldo’s stormy exit from Manchester United has opened the door for a replacement to fill the fallen idol’s shoes in January.

The 37-year-old left United in an unscrupulous manner after a bitter-bust up with club boss Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo, who was once considered to be the best player in the world before losing that title to World Cup Winner Lionel Messi, shocked the football world when he outed United’s dirty laundry in a fiery interview with Piers Morgan.

And his petulant outburst was the final straw for the Red Devils and Ten Hag who subsequently decided to part ways with the Portugal icon. But as Ronaldo searches for a new club, United are on the hunt for a striker who can fire them to glory in the absence of the former Old Trafford favourite.

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The Red Devils have been linked with a slew of names who could possibly arrive at Old Trafford in January. And here, the Daily Star looks at the best of the bunch ranging from Cody Gakpo to Lautoro Martinez.

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Cody Gakpo

PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo has been constantly linked with a move to Man United recently.

Ten Hag grew fond of the Dutch striker during his time as Ajax boss, and is keen to bring the 23-year-old to the Premier League. But United will have to dig deep into their pockets to land the ace who helped fire the Netherlands to the World Cup quarter-final with three goals along the way.

Gakpo’s attacking prowess at the World Cup has seen his price skyrocket from around £28million, to £50m. However, United might be in luck if they can match his asking price, as PSV director refused to rule out selling the Dutch side’s prized asset.

When asked about United’s interest, Brands said: “Amounts have not been discussed, but if the right club comes that Cody would like to go.”

Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan ace Lautaro Martinez is another player who shined at the World Cup that’s landed on Man United’s radar. Martinez helped Argentina lift the coveted trophy and Ten Hag reportedly wants him to aid United’s pursuit of silverware.

But the striker won’t come cheap and Manchester Evening News report that Inter value him at £70m. Ten Hag will also have to try and convince Martinez that United is the right club for him as he’s said to be happy at the Serie A giants.

Chelsea are another obstacle in United’s way of Martinez as the West London side also have eyes on the forward. But the Blues may rescind their interest in Martinez if they manage to land Ronaldo, whose been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Marcus Thuram

Marcus Thuram was one of France’s standout stars in their World Cup final defeat. The 25-year-old came off the bench and assisted Kylian Mbappe’s wonder strike that pulled Les Bleus back in the game before their penalty shoot-out loss to Argentina.

And Thuram’s input throughout the tournament has put him on United’s radar, Sport Bild reported, via Team Talk. United may be able to snag the versatile attacker on a free transfer in the summer when his contract ends with Borussia Monchengladbach.

This means he can sign a pre-contract with the Red Devils in January. Or United can buy him for a cut-price in the New Year if they can’t wait until the season ends, which Bild reckons will be the case.

Goncalo Ramos

Ronaldo may see his replacement for Portugal, Goncalo Ramos, replace him at Man United. Ramos emphatically burst onto the scene at the World Cup when he was picked ahead of Ronaldo in Portugal’s group stage thrashing of Switzerland.

The 21-year-old Benfica ace bagged a hat-trick in the game in Ronaldo’s absence. And he could soon be doing the same at United who have placed him high on their list of targets.

However, Ramos’ exploits on the world stage has seen has value shoot through the roof. Reports claim he was worth £17million before the tournament, but now has a release clause of £104m.

Antoine Griezmann

Despite going missing in the World Cup final, Antoine Griezmann played a pivotal role in getting France into the tournament’s closing game. And his valiant displays were noticed by the Red Devils who are said to be weighing up a bid for the Atletico Madrid maverick.

The Prem giants believe Griezmann can replicate his form for France at Old Trafford and are mulling a swoop for the 31-year-old. But luring him to Manchester will be a challenge as he recently completed his permanent transfer to Atletico from Barcelona.

And it will be hard to convince Griezmann to leave Spain, where his wife’s from, and where he’s spent his career after joining the Real Sociedad academy in 2005. Sceptics also question whether Griezmann will fit into United’s system as he’s an attacking playmaker, whereas United need a centre-forward.

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