Manchester United’s ongoing search for attacking reinforcements has taken a sharp focus on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
With Ruben Amorim now at the helm at Old Trafford, the Swedish striker has emerged as a top target for the Red Devils. However, former United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged caution, pointing out potential vulnerabilities in Gyokeres’ game that may not translate well to the Premier League.
United’s attacking frailties were evident once again during their 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, Amorim’s debut match in charge. Despite Marcus Rashford’s early strike, the Red Devils failed to capitalize on their advantage, leaving their season tally at a meager 13 goals from 12 games. Comparatively, league leaders Tottenham have already netted 27 times, highlighting United’s need for a clinical presence upfront.
This is where Gyokeres, with his remarkable record of 67 goals in 69 appearances for Sporting CP, comes into play. The 25-year-old has set the Portuguese league alight, making him one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. Reports suggest that Gyokeres has identified Old Trafford as his preferred destination in 2025, with a transfer fee of £66.8 million (€80m) likely to trigger his release clause.
However, Ferdinand’s analysis during Sporting’s 5-1 Champions League defeat to Arsenal has cast doubt on Gyokeres’ readiness for England’s top flight. The former United defender emphasized how Arsenal’s central defensive duo of Gabriel and William Saliba completely neutralized the Swede.
“His strengths played right into the hands of Gabriel and Saliba,” Ferdinand explained on TNT Sport. “These are the types of defenders you face week in and week out in the Premier League—big, strong, and composed. He struggled to make an impact until Gabriel left the field, and even then, he didn’t dominate Jakub Kiwior.”
Ferdinand’s remarks raise concerns about Gyokeres’ ability to adapt to a league where physicality and tactical acumen are paramount. “Have I seen enough to say he can succeed in the Premier League? Not yet. He needs to show more consistency against high-caliber opposition,” Ferdinand concluded.
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Meanwhile, fellow pundit Martin Keown echoed Ferdinand’s concerns but shifted the spotlight toward Arsenal’s defensive prowess. “Credit to Arsenal’s backline. Gabriel and Saliba are quick, mobile, and disciplined. They handled Gyokeres superbly,” Keown remarked.
As speculation intensifies, Amorim has remained cautious about reuniting with his former striker. Speaking to A Bola, the Portuguese coach dismissed immediate links, stating, “Gyokeres will stay at Sporting until the end of the season. His future beyond that? Only time will tell.”
Sporting president Frederico Varandas, however, left the door open for a potential departure. “If a club pays the release clause and Gyokeres wants to leave, we won’t stand in his way. But I doubt this will happen in January,” Varandas told Fabrizio Romano.
Amorim’s cautious approach may stem from a broader evaluation of his current squad. With questions swirling around the futures of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, the United boss faces tough decisions. Rashford, despite scoring against Ipswich, delivered a lackluster performance overall, while Hojlund was surprisingly benched.
Behind the scenes, Amorim is reportedly contemplating a major overhaul. Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has emerged as a potential target, with United ready to offer a lucrative package to lure the Georgian winger. Additionally, Atalanta’s Ederson has drawn interest, though a move would require a significant financial commitment amid competition from Manchester City and Liverpool.
Despite the uncertainty, Gyokeres remains a tantalizing prospect for United. His transformation under Amorim at Sporting is nothing short of remarkable. In just 16 months, Gyokeres scored 66 goals and provided 23 assists, surpassing his output under Coventry’s Mark Robins by a wide margin.
Under Amorim’s guidance, Gyokeres evolved from a promising Championship striker into a lethal force on the European stage. His goal-per-game ratio under Amorim far exceeds his previous record, showcasing the tactical adjustments and confidence instilled by the Portuguese coach.
While the prospect of reuniting with Amorim at Old Trafford is appealing, Gyokeres will need to prove he can replicate his success in a league as demanding as the Premier League. For now, United must weigh Ferdinand’s warning against the potential rewards of signing one of Europe’s hottest strikers.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Amorim and United’s next move. Will they take the gamble on Gyokeres, or will they explore alternative options to solve their attacking woes? One thing is clear: the pressure is mounting, and every decision will be scrutinized as United look to reignite their season under new leadership.