Manchester United Transfer Speculation: 5 Possible Replacements for Nani

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To be honest, Nani never really had too much of a chance at Manchester United, if you really think about it.

He was faced with the task of taking the place of one of the current generation's greatest players of all time: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Any player would have had trouble trying to fill those boots, not just Nani, but to be fair, he did have his moments in the sun when it was thought that he could be the next great Portuguese left winger for the Red Devils.

However, it appears that those wishes have become all but a pipe dream, with the club set to finally cut their losses after several seasons of hoping for a new Ronaldo but only getting a Nani.

In Nani's defense, he would more than likely have been considered a good player. But at Manchester United, good does not cut it in the absence of greatness.

Alan Dzagoev

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Russian youngster Alan Dzagoev of CSKA Moscow could be a talent for the future to take Nani's place. Having rocketed to stardom across Europe during UEFA Euro 2012, he continues to be tracked by many clubs across the continent.

With Ashley Young ready for the full-time job, the addition of Dzagoev would be an investment for the coming years as the club is once again building for another dynasty era in the English Premier League.

Gareth Bale

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Gareth Bale has not officially been linked with a move to Manchester United. However, the club could make great use of the Welsh superstar as the new long-term left wing for the club.

His talent is unquestionable, and his price tag would be extravagant. But the club has made major purchases from Tottenham before, and Bale would be well worth the outlay.

Theo Walcott

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Arsenal's Theo Walcott is not a natural left winger, but the club already has the services of Ashley Young on the left and can use Shinji Kagawa in that place if needs be.

Walcott's natural speed could see him being dangerous, no matter what side of the offense he is on for United. His ability would more than make up for the loss of Nani.

Dries Mertens

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Belgium international and PSV Eindhoven winger Dries Mertens could be yet another mid-20s star from his nation who is destined for stardom in the English Premier League.

His skills and talents have been on display in the Dutch Eredivisie for the past several years, and the more his stock rises, the more he appears capable of getting a move to the biggest league in the world.

Manchester United could use his speed and quickness on the left side, and he could readily be their answer to Chelsea's Eden Hazard, as well as Nani's replacement.

James Rodriguez

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FC Porto's star, young Colombian winger James Rodriguez has been a primary target for Manchester United for quite some time.

Earlier in December, Metro claimed that the Nani's sale was going to be used to help fund the transfer fee for Rodriguez in January.

The South American starlet was a major summer target for the Red Devils, but they could not find the means to prise him away from the Portuguese club. Their resolves looks to be set to be tested once again.