Football News : Man United targeted Victor Osimhen as Cristiano Ronaldo replacement

Victor Osimhen of Napoli was supposedly a player Manchester United wanted to sign this summer to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who was apparently wanting to depart Old Trafford in the summer transfers.

Ronaldo is said to have told the Red Devils he wanted to depart at the beginning of Julyso he could continue to compete in the Champions League this year, but the forward ultimately stayed in Manchester.

However, the 37-year-old has only scored twice for Erik ten Hag's team this season, and when his contract expires in June of next year, he might depart the organisation for free.

Before the summer transfer market closed, Man United intended to replace Ronaldo with Osimhen, according to La Repubblica. The Nigerian international had a "lack of interest" in moving to Old Trafford, and the two teams were unable to agree on a transfer fee.

According to the source, Man United wanted to "entrust him with the legacy of Ronaldo" as they prepared for life without the seasoned striker. Since joining the Italian giants from Lille in the summer of 2020, Osimhen has scored 32 goals and recorded 10 assists in 70 games.

In 32 club appearances last season, the attacker scored 18 goals and registered six assists. In eight games thus far in 2022-23, he has contributed four goals and one assist. The Nigerian was extensively linked with both Man United and Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but his agent Roberto Calenda recently said that his client was never on the verge of leaving.

Osimhen's contract with Naples still has three more years still to run, giving the Italian team a good position in regards to his future.

In six Serie A appearances this season, the forward has three goals and one assist while also scoring once in two Champions League games.

Though Osimhen has already missed four league games this season owing to injury, he was also out with a muscle issue for the Champions League victories away to Rangers and Ajax.

Ronaldo's contract with Man United has a 12-month option extension until the summer of 2024, although it is expected that he will depart Old Trafford on a free transfer after that.

In their search for a new striker, the 20-time English champions have also reportedly shown interest in Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan and Tammy Abraham of Roma.

When Ten Hag's team hosts Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, they will be attempting to get back to winning in the Premier League.

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