Ruben Amorim had an extremely tough 2024/25 season, being appointed after the sacking of Erik ten Hag but only managing a 15th-place finish in the Premier League, combined with a brutal 1-0 loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. However, after making an initial approach, Manchester United look to sign Viktor Gyokeres amidst interest from Arsenal, to help with their new manager’s project.
Manchester United Approach Viktor Gyokeres Amid Arsenal Interest
Initial Approach for Elite Striker
Sky Sports News have revealed that the Red Devils have made an “initial approach through intermediaries” for Gyokeres. This move has been touted over the past two years, with the Swede one of Europe’s most “prolific” strikers, though rumours have circulated more since his former manager, Amorim, joined United.
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Both the club and the player will surely be keen for this move considering Amorim and Gyokeres worked so well together in the 2023/24 season and at the beginning of last season. However, Arsenal have also reportedly had a “strong interest” in the 27-year-old earlier this year, though the Gunners now seem to have their sights on Benjamin Sesko.
Is a New Striker the Answer?
Manchester United have struggled this year, and goalscoring has certainly been a part of that. Netting just 44 in the league, only the three relegated teams and Everton had less; strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee bagged just four and three respectively.
However, neither centre-forward racked up an expected goals of over six; they are simply not getting service from their teammates, and this stems from issues like playing out from the back. Amorim’s side should be much better across the field next campaign: he had only made one signing of his own in January (Patrick Dorgu), and has now already recruited Matheus Cunha and potentially Bryan Mbeumo as attacking options.
Not only should this directly bring more goals, it should also mean more chances created for current strikers Hojlund and Zirkzee. Considering the Red Devils have spent over £100 million on the duo, perhaps they should get a chance in a more functional team before the hierarchy spend more money on centre-forwards. Money could arguably be better spent on the backline to help Amorim play with his classic three at the back, and fix defensive issues that are just as prominent as offensive ones.
