Cristiano forces United out of the race for Bellingham

Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United, whether it be in the next transfer window or at the end of the season, is edging closer to becoming a reality. What is also creeping towards the present is Jude Bellingham and his big money move across Europe (he recently had a €150 million price tag slapped on him by Dortmund), who will be one of the main targets for all of the continent’s top clubs. But what do these two things have to do with each other?

Well, according to the Manchester Evening News, Ronaldo’s escape from Manchester would make a move for Bellingham an impossible task. “Given the current lack of options, the main objective is for a new striker to be signed. There is even an argument to suggest that two new strikers are needed”, says the British news outlet. They also suggest that “signing a new midfielder is not a top priority for next summer.”

The side had made clear their intentions to stand alongside Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City in the pursuit of Bellingham who, at just 19 years-old, is already confirming himself as one of the stars of European football. As the MEN puts it “he would offer longevity in this role... if Ten Hag were able to pick any midfielder to sign next summer, then Bellingham would likely be his pick.”

What’s the problem for Manchester United?

The issue is that if Cristiano goes, they will need to sign a striker to cover his absence. Anthony Martial has had his fair share of problems in terms of goal-scoring and injuries and would not be a reliable replacement. After investing €240 million over summer, it is likely that a winter purchase is not on the cards, but they are also aware that a top level striker does not come cheap, meaning Jude Bellingham is to be a forgotten man.

“It means next summer might represent the only chance to sign the England star, throwing another spanner into the works of their long-term transfer planning”, says the report: there is a growing acceptance in Manchester that the lucrative contract offered to Bellingham would likely see them miss out. Given the fact that Marcus Rashford is the only realistic ‘9′ they have in their squad after Cristiano, with players like Sancho, Antony and Elanga - as well as the emerging talent that is Garnacho - creating from the wings, it makes sense to park the Bellingham bus for now and focus their priorities on a Ronaldo replacement.