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Goncalo Ramos is 'exception to Man Utd rule' - they've been watching for a while

While Goncalo Ramos has made it onto Manchester United's list of potential Cristiano Ronaldo replacements after his World Cup hat-trick, he's been on their radar for much longer

Portugal's forward #26 Goncalo Ramos celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 6, 2022
Portugal star Goncalo Ramos has been linked with Man Utd after his World Cup heroics(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United have reportedly been tracking Goncalo Ramos long before his World Cup heroics.


Ramos, 21, has emerged as a transfer target for the Red Devils after he netted a knockout stage hat-trick for Portugal against Switzerland, prior to their quarter-final upset defeat to Morocco. He could come in as Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement - just as he did for his national team.


But it's not just his performance in Qatar which has attracted United's attention. According to the Manchester Evening News, they've been keeping track of the striker for a while.


READ MORE: Wayne Rooney reveals 'hardest game' he played in which left family crying in the stands

Ramos has registered 14 goals and six assists for Benfica so far this season, hence how he forced his way into Portugal's World Cup squad and ahead of Ronaldo in the pecking order.

He therefore might be an exception to the rule of not signing a player off the back of an impressive World Cup campaign. However, his price tag could prove to be problematic.

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United fans - which striker would you bring in? Let us know in the comments section.

Benfica's Goncalo Ramos celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese First League soccer match Benfica vs Gil Vicente held at Luz Stadium, Lisbon, Portugal, 13 November 2022
United have reportedly been watching the on-fire Ramos at Benfica this season(Image: MANUEL DE ALMEIDA/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Benfica director Rui Costa has already warned that any side looking to sign Ramos will need to trigger his release clause, believed to be in the region of €120million (£103M), as they don't want to sell any key players in January.


Losing their top scorer, who's stepped up since Darwin Nunez's departure to Liverpool, would be a massive dent in their title charge. They're currently leading rivals Porto by eight points at the top of the table.

That could well block United from signing Ramos in the winter window. Erik ten Hag is said to be keen to replace Ronaldo next month, so he may have to look elsewhere.

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