Manchester United’s appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new manager hasn’t exactly been met with enthusiasm back in Portugal.
Sporting Lisbon’s players, especially rising star Viktor Gyokeres, have been vocal about their disappointment, as the coach’s departure could have ripple effects on the team and individual futures.
Amorim’s appointment follows United’s decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag after a rocky start to the season. Despite the transitional phase, United’s new shareholders, INEOS, are confident that Amorim, at just 39 years old, is the right fit to lead the club. However, Sporting Lisbon’s squad, especially players like Gyokeres, aren’t thrilled about the coach’s potential move.
Gyokeres, who has been an influential figure in Sporting’s success, is reportedly frustrated by Amorim’s departure. Portuguese outlet O Jogo even mentioned an uncomfortable meeting between Gyokeres and Amorim at Sporting’s training grounds this week, where the player expressed his concerns.
This situation places Gyokeres’ future with Sporting in doubt, particularly as Arsenal continues to keep an eye on him. The 26-year-old forward was linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer, and it seems the Gunners are still tracking his progress in Lisbon.
Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, shared earlier this year that Amorim’s presence was a major factor in his client’s decision to join Sporting. He mentioned that it would be challenging for Gyokeres to stay with the club if Amorim left, highlighting how important the coach has been for the Swedish striker’s journey at Sporting.
Cetinkaya has previously spoken about the unique bond between Gyokeres and Amorim, explaining how the coach’s vision for the player was a significant draw. This close connection underscores why Gyokeres is particularly impacted by Amorim’s potential move to United.
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Amorim himself has addressed his players’ disappointment, acknowledging that while they may be unhappy about his departure, these transitions are part of a football career. Drawing comparisons to his past experiences, he recalled how players at Braga were also disappointed when he left to join Sporting.
As for Gyokeres, he’s keeping a low profile about the situation. After a recent victory over Nacional, he remained focused on the present, stating that he’s not losing sleep over the rumors. He insisted that his current focus is on Sporting, despite the speculation.
Gyokeres has made an impressive impact in Portugal, scoring a staggering 43 goals in his debut season for Sporting. His goal-scoring form has carried over into the current season, tallying 16 goals in just 15 appearances, drawing interest from major Premier League clubs.
While clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City have shown interest, Arsenal has been the most proactive in pursuing Gyokeres. Sources suggest Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, is even considering moving forward with a bid for Gyokeres in the upcoming January window.
The Portuguese media speculates that Sporting may be open to selling Gyokeres if they receive a substantial offer of €70 million in the winter window. This could pave the way for Gyokeres’ long-rumored move to the Premier League.
Amorim’s arrival at United will likely bring significant tactical and strategic changes to the club. Former United coach Rene Meulensteen has commented that Amorim’s style may leave certain players, like Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, struggling to fit in. The new system could see these players phased out as Amorim shapes his squad.
Interestingly, Amorim has reportedly discussed the possibility of bringing some Sporting stars with him to Old Trafford. It’s been rumored that United’s recruitment team spoke with Amorim about three specific players during early talks.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in fresh talent continues, but they may face competition from Liverpool for Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, an 18-year-old defender considered a “generational talent” by the Dutch media. The teenager recently crossed 50 appearances for Ajax, making him one of Europe’s top young defenders.
Hato’s future may also be in the Premier League, as reports suggest a €50 million move in January is possible. Liverpool and Arsenal are both keen on securing his services, but Liverpool appears ready to push harder for the young defender.
Back at Old Trafford, all eyes are on how Amorim will shape his Manchester United squad, especially as his move from Sporting Lisbon has caused such a stir among his former players. Gyokeres’ reaction highlights how much Amorim’s departure has unsettled the Portuguese club.
This managerial switch signals a new chapter for Manchester United, but it may also trigger transfers and adjustments at Sporting as the club seeks to adapt. Whether or not Gyokeres will follow in his former coach’s footsteps to the Premier League remains uncertain, but with Arsenal’s interest heating up, his future is certainly one to watch.
For United fans, Amorim’s arrival represents fresh hope for a new era, but for Sporting, it leaves a void that players like Gyokeres feel keenly. As the January window approaches, both clubs are bracing for a series of moves that could reshape their rosters in significant ways.
