Cristiano Ronaldo won't be returning to Manchester United this summer, according to Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal, who suggested the Portuguese icon costs far more than his side are willing to offer.
Van Gaal admitted United need world-class additions to compete with the best and wasn't shy when reeling off players from other sides he believes can make a difference, reported Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail:
For example, Chelsea have Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar. There is a lot of creativity there. Manchester City have Sergio Aguero, it’s the same type.
Barcelona has Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. We have to look also for that kind of player. We look for more creativity and when it is possible to buy for a reasonable price players from that level we shall do that.
However, Ronaldo isn't one of the players Van Gaal is likely to sign, despite sounding positive when asked if he'd like to bring the United legend back to Old Trafford, as reported by David McDonnell of the Mirror: "Of course I would love it. But that's not possible. You have Ronaldo and then you have how much Manchester United want to spend."
Although disappointing for United supporters who no doubt wish to see their hero return, Van Gaal's dose of reality is needed at this stage of the transfer window. Many will question whether United's creative options have really improved over the summer, with Angel Di Maria closing in on a switch to Paris Saint-Germain, reported Simon Stone of BBC Sport,
Memphis Depay has impressed in three pre-season matches, scoring his first goal against San Jose Earthquakes and linking well with Wayne Rooney. Although he didn't receive much of the ball during the 3-1 win over Barcelona, he found space with some forward-thinking runs. He has the potential to be the creative force United need in the future, but he's still honing his craft.
As reported by Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports, United may have found their replacement for Di Maria in Barcelona's Pedro Rodriguez:
Pedro is a top-class player who can fulfill multiple roles across the front line. Vitally, he's a winner, both for club and country. Although the Spaniard won't bring the ball forward with the same vigour that Di Maria offers, his attitude has remained fantastic at the Camp Nou, where Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have kept him consigned to the bench.
Even if Pedro arrives, Van Gaal still needs a traditional striker who can net (or at least contribute to) 20 goals every season. Possessing a handful of versatile wide men is fine—Memphis, Ashley Young and Pedro can all contribute—but an out-and-out goalscorer is needed to back Rooney up. James Wilson is still developing and cannot be relied on, while Javier Hernandez has not been favoured for some time.
The Sun (h/t Jack Wilson of the Daily Star) reported PSG's Edinson Cavani wants to complete a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams, but that he is "unlikely" to be allowed to leave. German publication Bild (h/t the Guardian) claimed United have made a €100 million (£70 million) bid for Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller.
B/R UK's Sam Tighe thinks United should target his team-mate:
This is the calibre of player Van Gaal will be looking at. Cavani and Rooney as a front two is questionable—neither possess the speed United are searching for—but they could provide a battering ram approach. Muller or Robert Lewandowski would be stunning, if highly unlikely captures.
We now have less than two weeks until United kick-off the Premier League season with their match against Tottenham Hotspur. At this point, it seems an unknown superstar is destined to pull on the red shirt in front of the Old Trafford crowd. Van Gaal continues to plot away, but for those wanting Ronaldo, the manager has sensibly crushed an unlikely dream.
from Bleacher Report - Front Page http://ift.tt/1IAm5OL
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