By Rashmi Goel

Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United is in need of a center-forward. After slashing £500k from the salary bill, there should be space to maneuver in replacing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. As part of the situation, the Glazer family is seeking "strategic alternatives", which could include selling the club.

Several reports, rumors, and suggestions have already circulated on social media regarding who could replace 'CR7'. Having filtered through the noise, The Sportsman presents the five names that are causing a stir. The following is a listing of United's options at present, and what each would mean for the Red Devils going forward.

Kylian Mbappe

A forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team, Kylian Mbappé Lottin is a French professional footballer. Known for his exceptional speed, dribbling ability, and finishing ability, Mbappé is considered one of the best players in the world. The name of Kylian Mbappe is always in demand wherever big clubs need a striker. As Newcastle United began to acquire their Saudi millions, the Paris Saint-Germain star was even linked to the team. A takeover is imminent at Old Trafford, so overexcited fans have allowed themselves to dream of the 23-year-old wearing the famous red shirt. Although the Sportsman hates to deliver bad news, this is not possible. A contract that is close to making him the Director of Football at the Parc Des Princes is what has compelled the forward to commit his future to PSG. It is likely that he will wear the white jersey of Real Madrid if he leaves. Moreover, Ten Hag likely does not wish to add another egomaniacal, demanding forward to his ranks after just having bid farewell to Ronaldo.

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team. Osimhen was born in Nigeria and began his senior career at VfL Wolfsburg in 2017. There is a strong likelihood that this player will be transferred to United in the near future. It has been reported that the Nigerian international has scored 11 goals in his 14 Serie A matches so far this season, which has placed him on the shopping lists of several clubs. The fact that Osimhen is only 23 does not diminish the fact that he has already commanded attention for a significant period of time. Having consistently scored goals for both club and country, his age makes him a good candidate for Ten Hag's training program. Sir Alex Ferguson signed many players similar to Osimhen in the past. It is believed that he is highly rated and has his best years ahead of him. He is known throughout the world rather than a ready-made superstar.

Cody Gakpo

A Dutch professional football player, Cody Mathès Gakpo plays in the Eredivisie for the club PSV as well as for the Netherlands national team. Gakpo is a PSV academy graduate who made his first-team debut in February 2018. Following Osimhen, Gakpo is the most popular name among social media users who are looking to pick up where Ronaldo left off. The decision seems strange and perhaps a little uninformed. Despite his obvious abilities, Gakpo is a winger rather than a center forward. The name of Gakpo has likely entered the discussion for two reasons. It should be noted that he was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer when the Antony deal looked to be dead in the water but was resurrected. Second, he has scored nine goals in 14 games in the Eredivisie this season. In spite of this, he remains a winger, and United already has a number of goalscoring wide players, including Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial.

Jonathan David

A professional soccer player from Canada, Jonathan Christian David plays as the forward for the Ligue 1 club Lille. David was born in the United States to Haitian parents and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. He represents the Canadian national team. The Canadian striker Jonathan David was also linked with United in the summer. A long-time admirer of the former Gent player, Ten Hag was credited with the Red Devils' interest in him during the previous transfer window. David is a versatile forward who can operate as a forward, a second striker, or a deeper attacking midfielder. With his tendency to shuffle his deck during games, Ten Hag benefits from this tactical fluency.

Ivan Toney

In the English Premier League, Ivan Benjamin Elijah Toney plays as a striker for Brentford. Signing a Premier League player is often overrated. Despite never having played a minute of English football before this season, Erling Haaland has made it his personal toy. There is, however, something to be said for a player who knows how to break down Premier League defenses. There is no doubt that Ivan Toney is one of those players. As a Brentford striker, he has been scoring consistently for the last two and a half seasons. The former teammate also has a working relationship with Christian Eriksen, who is now a regular in the United midfield. A partnership that was very productive for The Bees can be harnessed by Ten Hag.