How Manchester United could line up this season if Cristiano Ronaldo seals transfer exit and Antony transfer

According to rumors, Cristiano Ronaldo has requested permission to leave Manchester United this summer.

Erik ten Hag’s plans for the next season have been jeopardized by claims that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United in order to play in the Champions League.

According to The Times, Ronaldo has asked to be permitted to leave Old Trafford if the club receives a’satisfactory offer’ for his signature. Ronaldo is set to report back to the club’s Carrington training facility for pre-season training this week. Following the release of the news, United reacted fast to debunk the story.

They have reiterated that the 37-year-old is not for sale and that he would be an important part of Ten Hag’s plans for the upcoming season. Ronaldo returned to United from Juventus last summer and scored 24 goals in all competitions, proving to be one of the club’s few success stories last season.

Although United is desperate for new players, Ronaldo is guaranteed a starting spot under Ten Hag, leading the line in the 4-3-3 formation the Dutchman is anticipated to use. Last season, Portugal’s captain was superb, proving that his age is nothing more than a number.

MEN Sport has taken a careful look at how United could line up on the first day of the new season without him, following the revelation that he is evaluating his future in M16. Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong, among others, are probable new additions to the squad.

David de Gea is the goalkeeper.

De Gea, who is set to start the season as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, deserves to stay in goal this season. He was terrific last season, putting in a succession of fine displays to help the Reds avoid more embarrassment.

Although some have questioned De Gea’s distribution abilities, Dean Henderson’s loan move to Nottingham Forest ensures that De Gea will continue as United’s lead goalkeeper with no questions asked. The club is still looking for a backup alternative.

Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia play in defense.

United want to enhance their defensive options during the summer transfer window, and they are getting closer to bringing in their first addition in the form of Feyenoord left-back Malacia. His transfer to Old Trafford is a good one, and he will fight with Luke Shaw for a starting spot.

United, ideally, should also strengthen their right-back and center-back options. However, it remains to be seen what will happen with those two parts of the club, especially if they sign Lisandro Martinez from Ajax and install him as the much-needed defensive midfielder. Dalot, Maguire, and Varane could all stay and join Malacia in the back four.

Lisandro Martinez, Frenkie de Jong, and Bruno Fernandes play in the midfield.

Speaking of Martinez, the thought of him joining United and serving as a defensive midfielder is intriguing. He is capable of playing holding midfield, center back, and left-back.

Should United, who have made a £37 million bid for him, sign him and play him in defensive midfield, he might join De Jong in a new-look midfield if the latter leaves Barcelona. Fernandes might continue as a chief architect ahead of them.

Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho lead the attack.

The loss of Ronaldo would create a big hole in United’s arsenal. With Edinson Cavani’s departure from the club last month, they no longer had a designated, out-and-out striker to provide backup to Ronaldo, meaning they would be in big danger if the latter left.

With no clear ties to an incoming attacker, Rashford is the most likely contender to take over from Ronaldo as United’s main striker, complemented by transfer target Antony and England international Sancho on the flanks. If Ronaldo leaves, the Reds must prioritize signing a striker.