Is Carlos Mané 'Next Cristiano Ronaldo'? Manchester United Targeting Portuguese Right Winger

While the future of first-year boss David Moyes remains in serious doubt, one of his expected summer targets continues to receive loads of attention across the international spectrum of professional soccer. With £200 million in spending cash set to become available for what will undoubtedly be a busy transfer period at Old Trafford, numerous reports indicate that Manchester United has high hopes for landing current Sporting Lisbon rising star Carlos Mané. The 19-year-old winger joined the Portuguese club on a full-time level earlier this year but due to his ability to learn on the job and overall skillset, the youngster is already drawing comparisons to a former Sporting star.

Current Real Madrid scorer and 2013 Ballon d’Or Award winner Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003 following one season with the Primeira Liga affiliate. Notching 5 goals in 31 total appearances for Sporting while building his own personal brand and image, CR7 eventually became the first-ever Portuguese player to sign with the Premier League giants when he inked a £12.24 million contract prior to the 2003-2004 English League campaign and as Ronaldo continues to grow as one of the top individual talents in the game, Manchester United officials look forward to landing Mané, who has been tabbed by many as the next Cristiano Ronaldo.

With a significant amount of money to spend, Old Trafford officials will certainly look to erase the memories from what has been a disappointing season on multiple levels. United currently sit seventh in the BPL and 12 points behind fourth place Manchester City, an abysmal standing when you consider that the top 4 teams in the league will qualify for the 2014-2015 UEFA Champions League. If English League struggles aren’t enough, the Red Devils currently find themselves in a 0-2 hole heading into the second leg of a UCL Round of 16 match-up against Olympiakos.

Mané will come with a bid worth upwards of £20 million but with an excess of funds, United won’t be deterred by that number. Due to the fact that improvements up and down the roster will be needed, expect the defending Premier League champs to also take a look at Carlos Mané’s teammate William Carvalho and current Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos.