Cristiano Ronaldo could be handing Manchester United a second favour this summer as his influence is inadvertently helping Rúben Amorim reshape his Old Trafford squad.
Rúben Amorim’s summer reset at Manchester United has started with real intent, as the club confirmed a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolves on the opening day of the transfer window.
The good news kept rolling on day two, with it being reported that Bryan Mbeumo is keen to make the move to Old Trafford, despite rival interest from Newcastle, Arsenal, and Spurs.
Adding to the wave of optimism, Bruno Fernandes has decided to remain at the club, turning down a major offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal.
With two incoming transfers progressing and Fernandes staying put, United’s next priority will be offloading players to generate funds for the next stage of Amorim’s rebuild.
Ronaldo is still having an influence at United
The main reason why United are still able to attract such significant talents despite their poor showing last season is down to their name and the players who have played at Old Trafford for the club in the past.
It was widely documented that Cunha is a fan of the club, hence why he was so eager to join, but the real surprise came when Mbeumo also picked Amorim’s team over Newcastle, Spurs, and Arsenal, despite these clubs all having Champions League football while United aren’t even in Europe next season.
However, reports have since revealed that, like Cunha, Mbeumo was a United fan when he was younger, with his first-ever football shirt being a Cristiano Ronaldo kit.
Speaking to Pro Direct at the beginning of May, Mbeumo was asked what the first player’s name was on the back of his shirt as a kid. “I think it was Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said.
While Ronaldo’s second spell at United may have ended sourly, there is little doubt that his time at the club continues to influence to this day, as many players coming through now grew up watching the Portuguese legend at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo could hand United second favour this summer
With Mbeumo hopefully joining United in the coming weeks, Amorim’s side need to focus on transfer sales so they can raise further funds to sign a striker and midfielder.
Earlier this week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that a decision had been made to sell Alejandro Garnacho this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen and three Premier League sides already expressing interest.
Subsequent reports have stated that United will be looking for around £60 million. According to The Mirror, Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr see Garnacho as a potential signing this summer, following the confirmation that Luis Diaz will not be leaving Liverpool.
Ronaldo was the man who assisted Garnacho’s first-ever senior goal, with the pair combining for United. The above report states that the chance to play with his idol again is a “huge draw” for Garnacho.
Furthermore, it’s claimed that Al Nassr would have no problem matching United’s asking price for the 20-year-old winger, as they aim to replace Sadio Mane and are in talks with Ronaldo about extending the 40-year-old’s contract.
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