Manchester United could sign a striker this summer despite Cristiano Ronaldo's exit links 'slowing down', according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: One out?

The Portugal veteran caused a stir earlier in the transfer window as he reportedly angles for a move away from the club. with Atletico Madrid among the potential suitors.

While the Red Devils have welcomed back a seemingly fit and firing Anthony Martial to the fold following a loan stint at Sevilla, regardless of where the 37-year-old's future may lie. Having lost Edinson Cavani, there is space for at least one more centre-forward in the Old Trafford ranks.

The transfer deadline of September 1 remains some time away, but with the start of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign just around the corner, United are seemingly no nearer to landing a new striker, a situation on which one well-informed onlooker has now shed some further light...

The latest: One in?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has claimed that Erik ten Hag and John Murtough could be preparing to enter the market for an attacking addition to the Old Trafford ranks.

The Italian said: “I think they will explore the possibility of signing a striker.

“Of course, the Ronaldo situation is slowing down because they need to understand what kind of striker they need, a striker to play with Cristiano or if he leaves as he wants to leave, a different kind of striker if they need a starter in that position.”

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The verdict: Room for improvement

Having made a hero's return just 11 months ago, losing the talismanic Ronaldo at this juncture would be a damning indictment of where United are at in terms of on-field stature. It would also cause a problem for Ten Hag as replacing such a prolific goalscorer would prove nigh-on impossible. with reasonably attainable options of similar quality few and far between.

Should Ronaldo stay in Manchester, as has been hinted by the knowledgeable Romano, Ten Hag will likely be reticent to rely on a misfiring Marcus Rashford and Martial to act as the only recognised centre-forward understudies to the Portuguese veteran.

Last season, United were the lowest scorers inside the Premier League's top eight, ending the campaign with 57 goals, some 42 shy of eventual champions Manchester City.

Linked by Romano himself with a move for Red Bell Salzburg hitman Benjamin Sesko, along with a reported interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney, there are seemingly centre-forward candidates out there for the Old Trafford hierarchy to consider, and they should be pushing hard to get the right deal over the line for Ten Hag.