Manchester United’s owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe names Ruben Amorim’s preferred striker and it’s not Gyokeres.
Manchester United are bracing for a whirlwind of transfer rumors in the coming months, with the summer window edging closer. Though it’s still unclear which targets are truly on the club’s radar, speculation is heating up as Erik ten Hag — or potentially Ruben Amorim if the managerial change is confirmed — prepares to reshape the squad ahead of next season. Despite the buzz surrounding incoming transfers, United are still licking their wounds after a narrow 1-0 Premier League defeat to Wolves. With Champions League qualification through the league looking bleak, the club’s focus is now locked on the Europa League, where they’ll clash with Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals early next month.
Amid all this, fresh reports suggest that Sporting Lisbon have made their position clear on Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres. The forward has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time, and according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, a Premier League switch this summer is very much on the cards. United are expected to face competition, but Gyökeres remains firmly on their list. With a release clause set at £60 million, it’s not going to be a straightforward deal. Sporting are standing firm, and unless United offload players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, or even Rasmus Højlund in a swap or cash-generating move, matching that valuation could prove difficult.
On a different note, Matheus Cunha of Wolves has also emerged as a strong candidate to join the Red Devils. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that United are currently the frontrunners should Cunha exit Molineux this summer. The Brazilian forward offers a different style — he’s less of a traditional No. 9 and more of a creative attacker who thrives as a second striker or a false nine. His Premier League experience and dynamic skill set could make him a valuable addition, especially if United are looking for more tactical versatility in attack.
United’s summer strategy seems to be narrowing down to two contrasting profiles. Gyökeres offers the power, pressing ability, and goal-scoring prowess ideal for Amorim’s aggressive system — a connection made even stronger by their time together at Sporting. On the other hand, Cunha brings flair, fluidity, and a touch of unpredictability in the final third. Financial constraints and the club’s uncertain European future could heavily influence the final decision. If reaching the Champions League depends on winning the Europa League, United might have to be clever with how they approach this transfer window.
