Manchester United Keen On Everton Forward As Ronaldo Tipped To Leave: An Ideal Replacement?

Recent reports from CaughtOffside reveal that Manchester United are keen on signing Everton centre-forward Richarlison in the upcoming transfer window as Ralf Rangnick looks set to add to his options in attack.

The Red Devils want to sign the Brazilian star as a replacement for 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who has had a disappointing past few months at the Theatre of Dreams. The team’s inconsistent performances week in week out doesn’t seem to be helping the situation either, with various rumours suggesting that the former Real Madrid star could leave if United fail to secure Champions League football this season.

‘CaughtOffside understands that while the decision to quit the club will ultimately be left to Ronaldo, should he decide to walk away, the club will not attempt to convince the 37-year-old to stay.’ – The report stated.

‘In an effort to plan for the expected departure of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Matt Judge, head of transfers, has recently held talks with representatives of Everton’s Richarlison.’

‘A meeting was held between representatives of Richarlison’s agency Velasco and United officials earlier this year where a discussion regarding a potential summer transfer took place.’

‘The numbers touted by the attacker’s agents included a significant rise on his current Everton salary, which sees him earn a little under £5m-per year, as well as an estimated transfer fee between £60m and £70m.’

Richarlison’s 2021/22 Season In Numbers

Richarlison signed for Everton from fellow Premier League club Watford for a fee in the region of £35 million in the summer of 2018. Over the course of the last four years, the Brazilian international has made 139 appearances for the Toffees, netting 47 goals and bagging 12 assists across all competitions. With nearly 0.424 goal contributions per match, it would be fair to say that he has repaid the transfer fee Everton paid for him four years back.

However, with five goals in twenty games, the 24-year-old’s inconsistency in front of the goal has been a major worry this season. The reason for his inconsistent form has got more to do with the team’s collective form rather than his abilities – with the Toffees sitting in the 17th place, just one point clear of the relegation zone. Nonetheless, he had managed to put up some decent numbers on the board this term – averaging 1.8 shots, 1.1 dribbles, 0.9 key passes, and 0.1 through balls per 90 minutes in the English top-flight.

The Ideal Replacement?

Marcus Rashford has been in terrible form over the past few months, whereas it’s highly likely that Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard will depart the club in the summer. Juan Mata’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, while Mason Greenwood remains suspended until further notice after being arrested.

Given the circumstances, Manchester United need some fresh recruitments in the forward department if they intend to strengthen the present squad – and Richarlison fits the bill perfectly. Aged 24, the Nova Venecia-born striker is the ideal option for the Red Devils as he is clinical, aggressive, and highly effective down the middle and the wings.

(Stats from WhoScored)