Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo struggled against Omonia on Thursday night, attempting eight shots at goal and failing to score.
Everything looks difficult for Ronaldo right now, which is very different to the situation surrounding the player linked with replacing him, PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo was linked with a United switch in the summer but The Independent reported he was only going to be signed if Cristiano Ronaldo was sold.
And with a lack of takers for Ronaldo, combined with the high fee spent on Antony, United held off on a deal.
Cody Gakpo equals Haaland
Gakpo has been on a tear this season for PSV, displaying the type of form which which will likely make his continued stay at the Dutch club to be a short one.
Forbes reported last week that United intend to pursue a deal for Gakpo, and last night he carried on showing why he would be a top asset for the club.
Gakpo scored twice in a 5-1 victory for PSV over FC Zurich in the Europa League, and also provided an assist.
The Dutch forward’s combined goals and assist figures stand at 22 for the season, equal to Manchester City phenom Erling Haaland.
There is quite obviously a difference between scoring and assisting in the Premier League and Champions League like Haaland, to the Eredivisie and Europa League like Gakpo.
But nonetheless, Gakpo’s record is outstanding and shows a player who is dominating for his team and giving his best against the opponents put in front of him.
United might actually want him to slow down a little. Gakpo’s prolific form is only likely to hike up his price tag.
Yet so long as he keeps on scoring, and Ronaldo fails to, United could have an easy decision to make this January.
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