Man Utd are plotting a record-breaking move to sign Kylian Mbappe in January, with a report detailing their accelerated plans in lieu of Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview.
Ronaldo all but confirmed he has no future at Manchester United on Sunday night. The Portuguese icon deployed a scorched earth strategy when savaging several elements of the club he works for.
Managers and executives alike bore the brunt of Ronaldo’s complaints. Even former team-mate Gary Neville wasn’t exempt in the shocking outburst.
Erik ten Hag met with senior United officials on Monday to discuss how to proceed. The Dutchman – who was forced to delay a family holiday to deal with the situation – has urged the club to wash their hands of Ronaldo.
Established players among the squad have also taken a dim view of Ronaldo’s interview.
ESPN claimed a handful of senior stars were left ‘furious’ at the timing of Ronaldo’s powerplay – mere hours after Alejandro Garnacho snatched all three points with an injury time winner against Fulham.
The outlet also claimed Ten Hag is so determined to rid himself of Ronaldo that he’s prepared to be a striker short in the second half of the season. However, according to the Mirror, United will come to their manager’s aid.
They report United had initially planned to sign a new centre-forward in six months’ time. The lengthier summer window would afford more time to conduct their business and ensure mistakes aren’t made.
However, Ronaldo’s explosive interview has forced a re-think, with the club now targeting the January window instead.
Man Utd accelerate striker plans
The club are aware many top clubs in Europe will be seeking a new striker next summer – such as Bayern Munich. As such, the Red Devils hope to steal a march and act fast after the World Cup.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is deemed a somewhat ‘attainable’ target and is firmly on United’s radar. Monday’s Euro Paper Talk revealed the latest on that front, including an apparent enquiry that’s already been lodged.
However, per the Mirror, United will first attempt to pull off the unthinkable and bring PSG’s Kylian Mbappe to Old Trafford.
The French megastar, 23, flirted with joining Real Madrid, though ultimately signed a new three-year deal to remain in Paris in May.
However, speculation has continued to swirl his long-term future will lay away from Ligue 1. The Mirror report United will explore the possibility of landing Mbappe for around £150m in January.
Mbappe to Old Trafford?
Mbappe commands colossal wages, though United will soon rid their books of Ronaldo’s own huge salary.
United are one of a small number of clubs capable of pulling off the coup from a financial sense. Real Madrid are another, though his previous snub has reportedly caused interest at the Bernabeu to cool.
That’s left the door ajar for Man Utd to try their hand. The report acknowledges a deal will be incredibly difficult to pull off, especially as PSG have a Champions League campaign to look forward to post-Christmas and United do not.
However, all Man Utd can do is try and landing Mbappe is labelled the ‘dream’ outcome for the club.
The Frenchman, along with Erling Haaland, are universally known as the heirs apparent to Lionel Messi and Ronaldo as the game’s global icons.
Haaland is already in the city of Manchester and bringing Mbappe to Old Trafford in a record-busting coup would be the perfect response.
United’s current record signing remains the £89.3m they paid to sign Paul Pogba. The Premier League’s record purchase is Man City’s signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for £100m.
Both records would be smashed if Mbappe were to join Manchester United.
READ MORE: Ten Hag demands Man Utd chiefs do one thing with Ronaldo, as ‘furious’ senior stars rebel
