Will Ronaldo's exit intensify United's chase for Osimhen?

Manchester United on Tuesday, November 22 cut ties with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo with immediate effect.

This comes against the backdrop of the 37-year-old's explosive interview with Piers Morgan on his stay at the club and his strained relationship with manager Erik Ten Haag.

With Ronaldo out of United's books for good, the Red Devils will be hoping to find a suitable long-term replacement for the forward.

Osimhen, 23, was heavily linked to Old Trafford in a potential swap deal which could have seen Ronaldo move to Naples last summer, but the deal fell on the rocks.

Ronaldo's departure could mean that the Red Devils will intensify their pursuit of luring the former Lille striker to Manchester.

The Portuguese captain was United's top scorer last season with 24 goals across all competitions.

Osimhen's blistering form for Napoli this season makes him the preferred candidate to replace Ronaldo at United next summer.

The Super Eagles striker managed 10 goals before the World Cup break despite missing weeks of action due to injury.

The ex-Lille striker is also the Serie A top scorer with 9 goals in 11 appearances.

Osimhen has three years left on his Napoli contract and is valued over €100m by the Naples-based club.

WDN