5 players Manchester United should target instead of Cristiano Ronaldo

Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Real Madrid, the fans have been pining for his return. Meanwhile, the rumours of his special return to the club seem to have become a mandatory stuff in every transfer window.

And now, when he has expressed his desire to leave, can you blame them for resurfacing again?

However, do United really need him? It's a sin to say that he won't perform, but his mammoth salary demands would be a stumbling block in any deal designed for him to join United.

On that note, let's have a look at 5 better options the Red Devils can sign instead of their legendary number 7.

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#5 Florian Thauvin

Florian Thauvin has had a rollicking season

Marseille's Florian Thauvin has been a revelation in France this season. His awe-inspiring performances have seen him book a place in the nation's 23-man World Cup squad.

Thauvin has notched 25 goals in 53 games this season, functioning as a right-winger. Also, he has provided 11 assists, proving how equally fecund he is when it comes to creating goals. His additional ability to create chances apart from scoring makes him the better deal in contrast to the Portuguese skipper.

With Jose Mourinho scarcely opting for Mata on the right, Jese Lingard has made the position his own. Florian Thauvin's addition to the squad would make the right wing as mighty as their left.

Also, when it comes to financial investments, the 25-year-old is a cheaper option to Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of salary and the transfer fee.

Read all the Manchester United transfer news here

#4 Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann helped Atletico win the Europa League this year

United could sign a number 7 from the Spanish capital, but that better be Griezmann instead of Ronaldo. The Frenchman is a common name amongst the world's best players in the current generation and poaching him would be nothing short of a coup.

Mourinho's style of play requires players to track back when they lose the possession. While Ronaldo might not be a fan of defending, his adversary certainly is.

The Atleti number 7 has worked hard on his defensive part of the game under Diego Simeone and has improved his tackling abilities. No doubt, that would come in handy if United plan to press the opponents in their own half.

Antoine Griezmann seems to be a better fit for United than Cristiano Ronaldo and that's exactly why Mourinho should make haste in signing him, ahead of his national compatriot.

#3 Marco Asensio

Marco Asensio has achieved giant feats at a tender age

A deal for an experienced and young Spanish playmaker sounds far better than the prospect of paying heaps of cash for a 33-year-old forward entering into the twilight of his career.

At a tender age of 23, Marco Asensio has achieved the feats young players dream of in their beds. From being the beacon of hope in Ronaldo's absence to scoring in Champions League finals, he definitely has what it takes to be the future best player in the world.

As for United, they could use his creative talents on the right side. His arrival would spark competition between him and Jesse Lingard, something that will bring the best out of both of them.

Marco Asensio has a plethora of experience plus he is a young player. It would be better for United to sign the Spaniard instead of Ronaldo since he is a young prospect and his salary demands won't be as gigantic as that of his Portuguese teammate.

Whether Asensio will cost more than Ronaldo is debatable and even if he does, he is definitely worth, considering his talent and age.

#2 Harry Kane

Harry Kane has been a consistent performer for Tottenham

Just envision a Lukaku-Kane partnership and how they would lit up Old Trafford every other weekend. However, there are a number of hurdles to pay attention to before going on with our footballing fantasies.

Daniel Levy isn't a keen admirer of the idea of selling his players to rival English clubs, which makes this deal tedious even more than it seems. However, should United succeed in bringing the Englishman to Old Trafford, no doubt he would upgrade their attacking department.

Former manager Zinedine Zidane rested his 33-year-old talisman for big games, allowing him to miss the league games. In season 2017/18, Cristiano Ronaldo made only 27 league appearances, 10 lesser than that of Harry Kane. If Jose Mourinho opts for signing Kane, he won't have to worry about that since the Englishman is only 24.

Kane has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League for the last few years. His wage demands definitely won't be the same as that of Ronaldo, would they? Also, the English skipper guarantees handsome returns on investment, considering his goal-scoring feats and comparing his age to that of the Real Madrid superstar.

Definitely worth targeting, isn't he?

#1 Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale scored two matchless goals in the Champions League final

We are turning to Real Madrid for the second time on this list. If they decide on going for either one of Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale, United would do loads better by going for the latter.

After all, rejecting a player who scores two matchless goals in a Champions League final hardly seems to be a prudent thing.

Gareth Bale still has a lot of class left to ooze and United could abundantly benefit from that. The Welshman can score brilliant goals, create chances with fantastic crosses and track back to defend; in short, he is the archetypal Jose Mourinho player.

Manchester United already have sung praises for a Welshman on the left and it's high time they do it for a Welshman on the right.