If there was one thing Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United project craved last season, it was goals.
Sadly, his United attack proved about as sharp as a mallet.
Ahead of the new league campaign, changes were needed, the kind that only the transfer window could address.
Two creative 10s (with an eye for goal) were expected to arrive, but the crown jewel of this attacking rebuild was always going to be a striker.
Matheus Cunha has signed. Fingers crossed, Bryan Mbeumo follows soon.
Pairing these tried-and-tested Premier League playmakers with a proper goal poacher was always going to be a nightmare for opponents.
The dream striker signing
Ideally, that striker was supposed to be Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede did well at Coventry City (43 goals and 17 assists in 116 matches), but it was his move to Sporting CP, to play under Amorim, that saw him explode onto the European stage.
In his debut campaign in Portugal, the 27-year-old bagged 43 goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances.
Even after Amorim’s departure, Gyokeres kept firing on all cylinders, ending up with an impressive 54 goals in 52 games last season.
Gyokeres–Amorim reunion?
It is easy to see why INEOS were keen to sign him and stage a dangerous reunion at Old Trafford.
But with no Champions League football on offer, convincing him was always going to be tricky, especially with league rivals Arsenal circling.
Well, last weekend, United’s hopes of landing him took a hit.
Reports emerged that Arsenal had made Gyokeres their top striker target, with club-to-club contact underway, leaving the Red Devils no choice but to explore alternatives.
Names such as Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been floated as United’s Plan B.
Even so, the Gyokeres links persist
Reports suggest Arsenal are struggling to reach an agreement over a fee with the Portuguese champions.
Such frustrations could see them walk away from the deal.
Should that happen, speculation has grown that Gyokeres might be open to a switch to the Theatre of Dreams.
From such claims, fresh hope has suddenly emerged around United’s chances of a swoop.
But Portuguese outlet Record has now offered a sobering dose of reality.
Gyokeres never wanted Man United
The publication writes that the striker has already rejected three separate approaches from United, who do not offer Champions League football.
He only wants Arsenal:
“According to information gathered by Record, the striker and his representatives have already rejected three separate approaches from Ruben Amorim’s side—the same Amorim who, it’s worth noting, won’t be managing in the Champions League next season. Only Arsenal interests him.”
It would have been a transfer masterstroke had Amorim managed to bring Gyokeres to Old Trafford, but it is not happening.
The club has already made it clear that it will not chase players whose priority is solely playing in specific competitions.
INEOS must lick their wounds and pivot to other impactful deals that could still allow Amorim to field a strong side capable of climbing the league table.
With Rasmus Hojlund keen to stay put, and both Joshua Zirkzee and Chido Obi tipped for breakout seasons, perhaps next season is one to give that trio the benefit of the doubt in leading United’s attack.
Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
