Viktor Gyökeres Declares Intent to “Rescue Manchester United” Amid Struggles, Encourages Move With Ruben Amorim after poor performance with new manger who replaced Ruben Amorim
Viktor Gyökeres has sparked further speculation about a potential move to Manchester United by naming Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo as his football idols. The Swedish striker, who has been linked to Old Trafford, added fuel to the rumors with his comments, especially following Ruben Amorim’s recent appointment as United’s head coach.
Gyökeres has been in outstanding form since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City, scoring 68 goals and delivering 19 assists in just 72 appearances. His impressive performances have attracted the attention of top European clubs, with Manchester United reportedly among the top contenders. Although his release clause is set at €100m (£83m, $106m), reports suggest he might be available for around €70m (£57.8m, $73.7m) next summer.
Manchester United’s interest in Gyökeres stems from their ongoing struggles in the striker role. While Rasmus Højlund has shown promise, his performances have been inconsistent, and Joshua Zirkzee, a summer signing, is yet to make a significant impact. Gyökeres’ ability to consistently find the back of the net could offer the much-needed firepower the team currently lacks.
In a UEFA interview, Gyökeres expressed admiration for Ibrahimović and Ronaldo, both of whom had illustrious careers at Manchester United. He remarked, “The players I looked up to were Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s about how they performed on the pitch; they went the extra mile, which impressed me. I wanted to do similar things on the pitch.”
Despite his admiration for these United legends, Gyökeres has been cautious about addressing his future. Speaking to Fotboll Skanalen in November, he downplayed rumors of a reunion with Amorim at United, stating, “He probably has some strikers there already, so we’ll see. No, he hasn’t [asked me to join him]. It’s fun but nothing I attach any importance to because it’s talk and nothing concrete.” Gyökeres also told Fabrizio Romano, “I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here. We will see [about a new club] when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial, and there will be other factors.”
Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United are also monitoring Gyökeres, underlining his growing reputation in European football. The striker’s rise from Championship football at Coventry to becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Meanwhile, Manchester United faces challenges in other areas. With injuries sidelining Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, the club is reportedly considering AC Milan’s Theo Hernández as an alternative to Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, who is nearing the end of his contract.
In addition, United recently secured the signing of Emmanuel Ziro, a highly-rated English teenage winger, beating competition from Arsenal and Chelsea. This move highlights the club’s efforts to bolster its roster with young talent.
As the summer transfer window approaches, United’s interest in Gyökeres and other key targets will continue to be a focal point. With Ruben Amorim eager to reshape the squad and tackle the team’s inconsistencies, whether Gyökeres will follow his former manager to Old Trafford remains an intriguing narrative.
