Man United Lining up Lyon's Moussa Dembele as Ronaldo Alternative

According to reports in France, Manchester United have reportedly targeted Olympique Lyon striker Moussa Dembele as a replacement in case they lose Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils have wasted no time in sounding out a replacement and have begun talks regarding a potential deal for the French striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo has ruffled feathers at Old Trafford by handing in a transfer request. The Portuguese forward had rejoined the Red Devils on a two-year deal only last season. But the English side’s failure to achieve Champions League football, along with a disappointing 6^th placed league finish has prompted the player to look for a club who are playing in the coveted top-tier European competition in the upcoming 2022/23 season.

Moussa Dembele, Lyon, Manchester United — Image obtained Via Tribuna

United have insisted that Ronaldo is not for sale, and are putting in their best efforts to retain their talismanic striker. However, they are not pinning all their aspirations on the 37-year-old staying put at Old Trafford. Reports suggest that the Red Devils are secretly working on bringing in a replacement striker.

According to French publication Media Foot Marseille (via The Sun), Manchester United have picked out Olympique Lyon attacker Moussa Dembele as their preferred alternative. The report claims that the Premier League club are in contact with the French club and have begun talks to secure a move for the Frenchman.

The striker’s contract with Lyon is only until 2023. This means that the 25-year-old will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club in January next year. As a result, United may be able to procure the Frenchman on a cut-price deal in this window.

https://twitter.com/ManuelMenacho0/status/1547642593806209024

Dembele signed for Lyon from Celtic in 2018. Since he arrived in France, the striker has been a mainstay with his side, barring a 6-month loan spell at Atletico Madrid in 2021. The French striker, who has previously played in England for Fulham, has accumulated 144 appearances across 4 seasons at the Ligue 1 club (stats via transfermarkt). He has managed an impressive tally of 67 goals and 18 assists in this period.

The 25-year-old has attracted interest from the Red Devils in the past, along with Premier League competitors Chelsea. Meanwhile, the French side are also open to listening to offers for the Frenchman.

Manchester United Plotting A Secret Move For Moussa Dembele

Manchester United had enquired about Moussa Dembele when interim manager Ralf Rangnick was in charge last season. However, it was believed that the Red Devils only wanted the Frenchman for a squad player role, similar to Edinson Cavani.

As reported by MEN in March, a source close to the Lyon vice-captain emphasised that a transfer decision would be postponed to the summer transfer window. The striker’s decision was also said would be influenced by the project of the club he would seek to join.

Come summer, the Red Devils are in a very different situation. Edinson Cavani has already departed and Ronaldo is looking to follow suit. Following the appointment of Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils are assembling the pieces as they prepare for a long-term project.

Cristiano Ronaldo situation 🔴🇵🇹 #MUFC

▫️ CR likes ten Hag, but asked to leave also because he wanted new signings;

▫️ Man Utd insist he's not for sale, as they want him to stay;

▫️ Mendes will push again with many clubs, PSG not working on it;

More: https://t.co/3gICNUC59R pic.twitter.com/PuQNcuKYgt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2022

New manager Erik Ten Hag has deployed Anthony Martial as a centre-forward in United’s pre-season friendlies against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace. Till now, it has been a great success.

The Lyon forward has a better track record than Martial in front of goal and offers good hold-up play too. So Dembele can provide able competition and compete for a starting spot with the former Monaco man. Furthermore, the acquisition of the Frenchman would allow Ten Hag more options to modify his frontline. Martial can play down the left wing, allowing Jadon Sancho to take up the right flank.

Verdict:

Moussa Dembele is a very good player and will most likely be a good fit in the United set-up. If the Red Devils are able to acquire the 25-year-old at a bargain, he could be a potent force leading Ten Hag’s frontline next season.

Do you think Manchester United should sign Moussa Dembele next season? Should Cristiano Ronaldo stay or leave? Let us know in the comments.

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