'Could be their new Cristiano Ronaldo' - Erik ten Hag told striker Manchester United need to sign

Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson believes Manchester United should target Portugal and Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old shot to the headlines when he scored a hat-trick in their emphatic win over Switzerland in the World Cup. Not only did he score the first hat-trick of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, but the treble came after Cristiano Ronaldo was sensationally dropped to the bench for the game by Fernando Santos.

United mutually terminated the 37-year-old's contract after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. And now, with the January transfer window around the corner, Erik ten Hag has been urged to embark on a pursuit for the young Benfica forward.

"They still need to find the perfect way they want to play, because since Sir Alex Ferguson left, they’ve struggled with their identity," Kleberson told Ladbrokes via Metro.

"Under Ferguson, you knew exactly what you were getting, and the spine of his team was so important; a solid centre-back, a tough midfielder and a goalscorer."

"In my opinion, it’s that last area where they need to strengthen; they need someone who can come in and get goals," he continued.

"Even if it takes that player a little while to get used to whatever system the manager wants to play, they need a guaranteed goalscorer. Goncalo Ramos, the Portuguese kid, can be that guy.

"He’s really young, but he’s already shown us what he’s capable of, on the biggest stage of all at the World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland.

"The way he plays, and how he moves and interacts with his teammates… he could be their new Cristiano Ronaldo. A move to United would be a good thing for him."