Alan Pardew reveals exactly what Sir Alex Ferguson told him about replacing Cristiano Ronaldo at Man United

Alan Pardew has urged Eddie Howe to use Sir Alex Ferguson’s approach on Cristiano Ronaldo when replacing Alexander Isak.

The Newcastle manager is facing the unenviable prospect of losing his top scorer before the end of the summer transfer window.

Isak is pushing for a move away from St. James’ Park after three years on Tyneside.

The Swedish striker is currently training on his own at former club Real Sociedad having not travelled for Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Liverpool have been showing interest in a British record move for Isak ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Since joining the Magpies in 2022, Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances across all competitions.

The 25-year-old’s tally includes 23 Premier League strikes last term, a total only surpassed by Mohamed Salah.

Discussing the situation Howe faces, Pardew recalled a conversation with Ferguson ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit.

The Portuguese forward was sold to Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £80million in the summer of 2009.

Speaking on Breakfast, Pardew explained: “These are the tests you get as a Premier League manager, whether you’re at the top of the league, in the middle or at the bottom.

“You’re going to get tests and Eddie’s getting tested here by one of his main players.

“I remember Alex Ferguson talking about Ronaldo. It was a game just before he was about to leave.

“I said, ‘how are you going to replace him?’ He said, ‘well, I’m not going to be able to replace him. There’s no one who can do the numbers, right?’

“And Isak would be exactly the same. He’s not going to get anyone who can do those numbers that Isak can do.

“So, you’re going to have to spread it around and buy two players. That’s what Fergie did.

“I think he said, ‘I’m going to buy two or three to try and replicate what he does within the team unit.’ And that’s what Eddie is going to have to do.”

Who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United?

Ronaldo was fresh from scoring 25 goals across all competitions during the 2008/09 season to fire United to the title.

Following his departure, Ferguson ended the summer window with four new signings after bringing in Antonio Valencia, Mame Diouf, Gabriel Obertan and Michael Owen.

Howe and Newcastle are currently looking into replacements of their own ahead of Isak’s anticipated departure.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been identified as their preferred choice for a new centre forward.

However, the Magpies face competition from United for his signature with the Red Devils opening talks with the Slovenian after sending a delegation to Germany for discussions with Leipzig officials.

talkSPORT understands Sesko prefers a move to Old Trafford over St James’ Park.