Forget Sancho, Manchester United already have a Cristiano Ronaldo replacement
By Bence Bocsak
![Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United. (ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images) Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United. (ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d27ca1f5069b21b952269fc1336f3a3a29a49bb6c8795a549ee122b8dd86482b.jpg)
Manchester United have tried to fill the void left behind by Ronaldo for over a decade, and they could already have his replacement in their squad.
He stood over the ball. His legs stretching taut in an arching angle. His shoulders hunched and his eyes fixed on the target. As the Manchester United winger struck the ball, it left his boot like an arcing bullet. The goalkeeper stood transfixed, helpless. There was nothing he could do.
For over a decade, that would be customary scene before a free-kick at Old Trafford. The recipient of the applause and cheers would be Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese winger dazzled in the Red Devils shirt. He sent players trailing in his wake, and his shot was lethal, potently venomous.
His departure left an inevitable abyss, which has only grown and grown in the decade since his departure, however slowly the cracks are starting to be filled.
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Against Chelsea at Old Trafford this season, Marcus Rashford was the performer of the aforementioned goal. It was the Englishman and United academy product who hit the ball from over thirty yards out and thumped it into the back of the net.
The goal was reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo, but it wasn’t solely just the goal. This season, Rashford’s tricks, pace and flair on the flanks has caught the eye. The 22 year old has played with an abundance of maturity and he has revived memories of Cristiano Ronaldo with his performances.
Ronaldo hit his peak at Old Trafford at 23/24 years of age. Rashford could be set to do the same. Having been tipped for stardom for some time now, the United graduate finally looks to be fulfilling his potential and it could solve a long-standing headache at Old Trafford.
Replacing Cristiano Ronaldo has already seen many failed attempts at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ latest endeavours will see them try to lure Jadon Sancho to the club, and while the addition of Sancho could bolster Solskjaer’s options, the 20 year old will not be the Ronaldo replacement the club is yearning for.
Marcus Rashford is more in the same ilk as Ronaldo and if the Red Devils are looking for a like for like replacement, it will be the current United star rather than the Borussia Dortmund winger.
Next. Red Devils could be about to lose as many as four attackers. dark
Do you agree? Can Marcus Rashford become as good as Ronaldo?