Manchester United’s shortcomings in front of goal were on display against Chelsea last weekend as the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes squandered presentable chances.
This has been a regular occurrence this season with the Red Devils topping the league chart for the most big chances missed.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was asked the question ahead of United’s Europa League game against PAOK and he felt pleased that the team was creating chances and advised United’s No 9 Rasmus Hojlund to keep his composure in order to become a ruthless finisher.
Incoming manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping to ensure the Dane and summer signing Joshua Zirkzee can rediscover their scoring touch but if things do not massively improve, the 20-time English league champions will be forced to utilise the transfer market.
United desperately need goals
And the obvious target is Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon with the Swede turning into a ruthless finisher since moving from Coventry City to play under Amorim.
The 26-year-old has 23 goals in only 17 games this season including a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
Initial reports had suggested that Sporting would only let him go if any team triggers his release clause of £83 million but The Telegraph have now revealed that Premier League suitors could potentially acquire him for £20 million less.
Only for next summer, his clause would drop to £63 million and the likes of United, Chelsea, and Arsenal could pounce. While all three teams need an elite striker, Amorim’s arrival could potentially hand the Old Trafford side the advantage.
“Premier League clubs have been put on red alert after it emerged Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is available for just £63 million.
Gyokeres cut-price fee
“United, Chelsea and Arsenal have previously been linked with the former Coventry City player, who has scored 23 goals in 17 matches this season.
“Gyokeres has a €100 million (£83 million) release clause in his contract with Sporting, which expires in 2028. But it is understood the Sweden international will be allowed to leave for a lower fee in the summer.”
It still will mark a huge profit for Sporting who had signed the Sweden international for only £20 million. A future approach will depend on the kind of funds INEOS can muster.
From United’s standpoint, they need to finish the season strong and end up in the European places or else one of the other big teams will eventually hijack the deal and win the transfer race.
Feature image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
