Manchester United have now opened talks to sign an "incredible" star in the summer transfer window, and he is keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd looking to strengthen in several areas
It was a quiet transfer deadline day for Man United, following a fantastic start to life as interim manager for Michael Carrick, who has won his first three games in charge since replacing Ruben Amorim in the dugout.
There will be work to do in the summer transfer window, however, at which point it will be important to bring in a replacement for Casemiro, with the Brazilian set to leave upon the expiration of his contract.
Following the recent 3-2 victory against the Cottagers, Jamie Carragher even scaled back on his criticism of the 33-year-old, saying: "It is now fair to say the football has not left him.
"Considering what he's producing this season in the Premier League, and not just Fulham at home, you think what he did last week against Arsenal away and Manchester City at home."
With the former Real Madrid man putting in some improved performances this season, and vastly experienced at the top level, it may be difficult to find a suitable replacement, and central midfield is not the only position in which the Red Devils are looking to strengthen.
According to a report from Spain, Man United have now opened talks to sign Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer transfer window, with the forward keen on a return to Old Trafford, having become unhappy in Saudi Arabia.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts -1
The 40-year-old is said to have a €50m (£43m) release clause included in his contract with Al-Nassr, with several MLS clubs also keen to secure his signature, but the former United man wants to end his career at Old Trafford.
Talks are ongoing, and the Portuguese icon is willing to reduce his astronomical wages to get a deal over the line.
Ronaldo would be risky signing for Man Utd
Over four years ago, during the United legend's previous stint at Old Trafford, Carragher suggested he wasn't at his peak, saying: "Ronaldo's not the player he was. He's still obviously delivering for Man Utd in terms of goals, but I don't think it should be a big story if Ronaldo doesn't start every game or at times comes off in a game of football."
As such, with the Al-Nassr star set to turn 41 in just a few days' time, it would be a gamble to bring him in, despite the fact the experienced striker has maintained a very impressive goal record throughout his time in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal record Saudi Pro League appearances Goals
2022-23 16 14
2023-24 31 35
2024-25 30 25
2025-26 18 17
Not only that, but the 226-time Portugal international's well-documented fallout with Erik ten Hag is still relatively fresh in the memory, so he could be a divisive signing.
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As such, should Man United decide to enter the market for a new forward in the summer, they should target a younger player, rather than looking backwards.