Goncalo Ramos, a striker for Benfica, is reportedly the player that Erik ten Hag would prefer Manchester United to sign after their pursuit of Cody Gakpo at Liverpool was unsuccessful. Benfica is the team that Ramos plays for.

During the summer transfer window, Manchester United considered making an offer to acquire Gakpo from PSV. In the end, however, the club made the decision to complete a deal with Antony that was worth £85 million.

The club that is coached by Ten Hag had not given up their pursuit of the Netherlands national team player, and it was anticipated that they would make a fresh proposal during the month of January when the transfer window is open.

Liverpool, on the other hand, has swooped in and outcompeted their Premier League competitors by reaching an agreement with PSV for a transfer fee of £50 million for the 23-year-old player.

It is understood that United had not yet made an offer to PSV, and reports have also claimed that some scouts at the club were not completely convinced by Gakpo. However, it is understood that United will make an offer soon.

The Mirror reports that Ten Hag had Gakpo as one of his primary recruitment priorities for the month of January, but the United manager’s focus has since shifted to Ramos.

The striker for Benfica who scored a hat-trick for Portugal in their match against Switzerland in the round of 16 of the World Cup earlier this month has a release clause in his current contract that is worth €120 million (about £103 million).

This season, the 21-year-old forward has been in incredible form for Benfica, leading the league in scoring with nine goals scored so far.

However, according to MailOnline, because the Glazers are continuing their efforts to sell the club, Manchester United will be forced to shop around in the loan market during the month of January.

United may pursue a loan deal for Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, as well as the forward Joao Felix, who plays for Atletico Madrid. According to reports from earlier this month, United may also explore a loan deal for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix.

Ten Hag insisted this week that Manchester United will not rush their decision over who will replace Cristiano Ronaldo after the 37-year-old player left the club during the World Cup. Ronaldo had been with United for 13 years.

“We are aware that we lost a striker; therefore, I believe that we need to bring in a striker; however, it has to be the right one,” Ten Hag said.

“The right one is a player that brings quality to the team, not just adding to the squad because that only gives you problems,” the coach said. “The right one is a player that brings quality to the team.” You are aware that the bar is set pretty high here at Manchester United, right?

Player Ratings: Manchester United 3-0 Nottingham Forest

The following players were rated in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest:

7 David de Gea

The Spaniard has been consistent. When called upon, performed admirably.

7 Tyrell Malacia

Started the game well with a goal attempt. At the back, he never seemed bothered.

8 Raphael Varane

After an outstanding World Cup campaign, put in another strong defensive performance.

8 Luke Shaw

Erik ten Hag appears to have a back-up solution in the form of a left-footed centre-back. In the role, he appeared to be at ease.

7 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The performance is unlikely to force him into Ten Hag’s plans, but he has demonstrated some of his qualities this week.

Casemiro – 9 points

This team has been completely transformed.

Christian Eriksen – 8 points

Controlled things and is now contributing to goals on a regular basis.

8 Bruno Fernandes

Marcus Rashford – 9 points

A different player, this time with Martial by his side. I had a fantastic first half.

7 Anthony Martial

I had some luck with the goal. When available, he has performed admirably throughout the season.

4 points for Antony

I just didn’t look sharp today, but it didn’t really matter.

Substitutes

6 Donny van de Beek

He displayed some of his best qualities, but it won’t be enough.

6 Alejandro Garnacho

It is always exciting.

Fred – 7

Excellent goal. Will boost his self-esteem.

NA – Harry Maguire and Anthony Elanga

Manager

Erik ten Hag – 8 points

He’ll be pleased with his team’s effort and clean sheet. The club appears to be much more settled now. In January, the board must assist him.