Welcome to the United On My Mind daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the best Manchester United stories you might have missed.
It seems like Manchester United are getting into the Christmas spirit, as the club look like they're 'ready to pay' Erling Haaland's release clause.
Ralf Rangnick also wants a new defensive midfielder at Old Trafford, something that supporters have been crying out for a long time. Apparently, he wants someone who is 'tall.'
The striker position seems to be a critical area that could change for United in the upcoming months, as reports emerge of an offer that's been made for one of Rangnick's current strikers.
Ronaldo' ranked 8th' in the world
To me, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest strikers that's ever lived, and he's still been sensational in this calendar year. So it's always surprising to see him ranked lower than others.
There's been this debate that Ronaldo's lack of pressing has become a problem, but I think those points are wide off the mark. Still, they have been mentioned, which is perhaps why he's ranked so low in the Guardian's top 100 footballers of 2021.
A lot of United supporters are sure to have their say on this. They've put Ronaldo in 8th, meaning he's dropped five places from the previous year. I feel a lot of them will disagree, especially as the likes of Jorginho and Karim Benzema have been ranked higher.
Opinion: I do think this is a bit of a disgrace, if I'm honest. The disrespect Ronaldo gets is enormous, but this is what he thrives off. I do not doubt that he will continue proving the doubters wrong because that's what he does - he lives off it. He certainly deserves a higher spot. He's the GOAT!
United' ready to pay' for Haaland
Ever since the MEN reported that Ralf Rangnick wants Erling Haaland at Manchester United, it feels like this story has been hotting up.
Haaland is the most in-demand striker on the planet right now, and it will be interesting to see where he eventually ends up in the summer.
According to BILD (via SportWitness), United are 'ready to pay' the £63.3m (€75m) release clause to sign the top-class star.
Understandably though, the Reds will face stiff competition to acquire Haaland's services. Real Madrid and Manchester City are thought to be keen.
Opinion: I would love United to sign Erling Haaland, but I still can't see it happening. I'd love to be proven wrong, and while I have my doubts over signing another Mino Raiola client, he's probably worth it for the striker you'd be getting.
Rangnick wants 'tall' holding midfielder
Since last summer, Manchester United supporters have been calling on the club to try and sign a defensive/holding midfielder, and since then, they've been linked to several names.
The MEN have reported that United may try to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window, but who that could be remains to be seen.
The Athletic are now reporting that Ralf Rangnick wants Manchester United to sign a tall midfielder as a top priority to replace Nemanja Matic. The two names that have been mentioned are Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, who the German admires.
Opinion: I think United is in desperate need of a central defensive midfielder, and I think it's been a big problem for them this season. Some of the names mentioned feel like they'd be perfect for the role, but who United decide to go for is another story.
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