Rafael van der Vaart and Marco van Basten both agree over ‘real’ Man Utd-linked star, Ruben Amorim needs him at Old Trafford

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Marco van Basten and Rafael van der Vaart have both waxed lyrical about one Manchester United-linked star amid Ruben Amorim’s impending Old Trafford arrival.

Ruben Amorim will succeed Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout after the former Manchester United manager was sacked by the Premier League club last week.

United agreed to pay £9.25m to Sporting CP after triggering the release clause in the contract of Amorim, who will arrive at the Red Devils on 11th November.

Amorim has been widely praised for his work at Portuguese side Sporting CP, including leading the club to two Primeira Liga titles under his reign.

The 39-year-old Portuguese manager’s first match in charge of the Red Devils will be an away trip to Portman Road for the Premier League clash against Ipswich Town.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been interim manager at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag was axed from the club and his spell will end after the start of the November break.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim could deeply benefit from Erik ten Hag signing, Jamie Carragher believes Man Utd star is a major ‘project’

Van der Vaart talks Man Utd-linked star

Ruben Amorim oversaw a sensational night for Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday evening after his side’s performance against Manchester City.

Sporting CP came from behind against Pep Guardiola’s men to seal a stunning 4-1 thrashing of Manchester City at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.

Viktor Gyokeres played a starring role for Amorim’s men and the 26-year-old Swedish striker scored a stunning hat-trick against City.

Speaking on Ziggo Sport, Rafael van der Vaart made a bold claim that Viktor Gyokeres is a “better version” than City striker Erling Haaland.

“It sounds a bit crazy, but I think he’s a bit of a better version of Haaland,” he said.

“Haaland is, of course, incredible, but Gyokeres has a bit more, or something.”

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher’s surprise role change for Man Utd star under Ruben Amorim, Dimitar Berbatov’s reaction says it all

Van Basten praises Man Utd-linked Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has made a real name for himself at Sporting CP after the Primeira Liga outfit snapped him up from Coventry City in 2023.

The Sweden international has scored an impressive 23 times in 17 matches in the 2024-25 campaign, with Gyokeres emerging on the radar of European clubs.

Marco van Basten believes that Gyokeres, who has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and United, is a “strong” and “real footballing striker.”

“He’s a real footballer, I think,” he said.

“A real footballing striker. Strong, scores easily and is calm in front of goal. He is also able to pass the keeper, I think he’s a really good striker. I can enjoy him.”