The Replacement For Cristiano Ronaldo

So...Ronaldo is finally leaving. And to his favoured destination—Real Madrid.

At 9:33 a.m. last Thursday morning, the media and football world started to report the breaking news of an accepted ₤80m bid for the World Player of The Year. The deal looks to be a formality with most sports journalists saying that it is just a question of when. A deadline date of June 30 has been set.

This puts an end to a season-long saga surrounding Ronaldo and Real Madrid. Fortunately for Manchester United fans worldwide, Sir Alex would not have let his most important player go without having a backup plan or two.

But how do you replace a player who is lightning-fast, has flair, is a free-kick specialist, and scores vital goals?

All of us would like to think that Sir Alex has a plan in place already and is currently executing that plan. We know about the supposed potentials of Nani and Zoran Tosic within the United reserve squad. Ongoing discussions with Wigan Athletic will indicate a logical one-to-one ₤15m replacement in Ecuador winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

Across the English channel, rumours about interest in Franck Ribery refuse to go away but Bayern will not let him go without an inflated transfer price. Manchester United made an initial inquiry to Bayern in May, offering ₤63m for Ribery on condition that Ronaldo leaves. Now could be the time to exercise this Ribery option.

The fans will be appeased if Ribery comes. The Premiership will welcome his direct running and quick, footballing brain.

In my opinion, one particularly world-class right-sided midfielder has slipped off the radar. Alessandro Mancini has been warming the bench at Inter this season and he has publicly claimed that he is unhappy about this. Mancini could be tempted by a Manchester United link. The stepover king has the ability to be the Red Devils most exciting player. He could be available for cheaper ₤15m. The fans may prefer Ribery, but Mancini should be the better option simply because there will be additional funds left for a badly needed defensive midfielder.

If Ronaldo does agree to personal terms with Madrid, then he will be hard to replace.

Mancini, however is well-capable to be his possible replacement. His pace, dribbling skills and flair will thrill and bring United fans to their feet.

Goodbye Ronaldo, the EPL will be much poorer viewing without you.

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