Manchester United are, according to widespread reports, looking increasingly likely to seal a deal for Cody Gakpo when the transfer window reopens next month. The PSV Eindhoven star has been in impressive form so far this season, scoring nine goals and clocking up 12 assists from 14 Eredivisie appearances. And, should the 23-year-old move to Old Trafford, he could be given a choice between the No 7 and No 11 jerseys…
Manchester United know they need a new forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who was cut loose last month following a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
And Gakpo seems to be their No 1 target, despite the Red Devils also being linked with the likes of Rafael Leao, Joao Felix and Memphis Depay.
United came close to acquiring the Netherlands international back in the summer, only for the Red Devils to land Antony instead.
However, right now, it appears the 23-year-old forward is poised to join United with Erik ten Hag even hinting at a deal for the player in his press conference on Friday.
When asked about Gakpo, Ten Hag cracked a smile and responded to recent comments made by Ruud van Nistelrooy where he’d suggested PSV would have to let their prized asset go.
“There were many, many good players in the World Cup,” said the 52-year-old, whose side lock horns with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
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“He (Van Nistelrooy) can say that about many players.”
And if Gakpo does indeed end up moving to United, it’s possible he’ll be given a choice between the No 7 and No 11 jerseys.
The No 7 is, of course, an iconic shirt number at Old Trafford having been worn by many club legends over the years.
Ronaldo himself wore it during his two spells at United, with the 37-year-old particularly doing it justice when he was playing under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Portugal international had, upon arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, planned to wear the No 28 – which was his favourite set of digits at the time.
But Ferguson insisted Ronaldo would be a worthy No 7 and he ended up inheriting it following the departure of David Beckham to Real Madrid.
