Manchester United could reportedly be about to join the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres with a swift reunion with Ruben Amorim potentially on the cards.
Gyokeres has enjoyed a stellar stint under the departing Amorim, having joined the Libson-based outfit from EFL Championship outfit Coventry City last season.
Boasting a remarkable goals record, Gyokeres was once again on fire during Amorim’s penultimate home match in charge on Friday evening.
The 26-year-old wowed fans inside the Jose Alvalade Stadium by netting a first-half hat-trick before adding a spectacular fourth in the second period to serve up the perfect goodbye present for Amorim.
The 39-year-old tactician is set to join United as Erik ten Hag’s replacement during the November international break, but, depending on how things play out, Gyokeres might not be too far behind him.
According to Sky Germany, there is an expectation that United will register interest in the Swedish striker following Amorim’s arrival at the club.
United will have to fend off big-name interest in Gyokeres’ signature, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all rumoured to be keeping tabs on the prolific marksman.
But unlike their Premier League rivals, United and Amorim have a major advantage that could help out their pursuit.
It’s no secret that Gyokeres and Amorim have struck up a wonderful working relationship in the time he’s been at the club, and Sporting players are rumoured to have been left upset that the manager is departing.
If it comes down to picking United over another top European outfit, that existing connection is bound to work in the Red Devils’ favour.
However, Gyokeres will no doubt cost a fair amount, given Sporting will want to make a profit on their £20m investment, with a reported a release clause in the region of £60m active next summer.
The performance of the two strikers United presently has on their roster—both of whom were acquired over the previous two summer transfer windows—may determine whether they make a move.
Although it took him a while to get going, Rasmus Hojlund has already looked excellent for his £72 million move from Atalanta.
The Dane’s fitness record has drawn criticism, though, since Hojlund missed the opening month of the 2024–25 season due to a hamstring injury.
Amorim will be expecting better from a number of players, including Joshua Zirkzee, who was brought in from Bologna to assist relieve Hojlund’s workload. However, the Dutchman has not performed well thus far.