Ruben Amorim could have one Manchester United player act as the perfect ‘kryptonite’ to neutralise the threat that Viktor Gyokeres possesses in his arsenal.
The 40-year-old Manchester United manager will soon cross paths with Viktor Gyokeres and Ruben Amorim needs to find a way of stopping the Arsenal-bound striker.
United were linked with Gyokeres this summer and the Red Devils had been tipped to reunite the 27-year-old Swedish forward with former Sporting CP boss Amorim.
However, the Red Devils faced tough competition from Arsenal over Gyokeres and the Gunners are expected to seal a deal for the United-linked striker this summer.
According to BBC Sport on Friday, Gyokeres will now leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade and is set to complete his stunning transfer to Arsenal over the weekend.
Arsenal have reportedly splashed out a £63.5m (€73.5m) deal to sign the Sweden striker, who had an £85m (€100m) release clause at Portuguese side Sporting CP.
Why Ruben Amorim could use Matthijs de Ligt’s ‘biggest strength’ to cause problems for Viktor Gyokeres in Man Utd vs Arsenal
Manchester United’s Premier League fixture list was revealed in June and the Red Devils face a tricky start to the new season at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils will host Premier League rivals Arsenal on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 campaign, with United and the Gunners in action on 17th August.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will no doubt be hopeful of having Viktor Gyokeres ready to lead the frontline for the Gunners in the Premier League tie at Old Trafford.
Matthijs de Ligt has been a key player in Amorim’s tactical system for United and the 25-year-old Dutchman’s “biggest strength” could impact Gyokeres’ influence.
Speaking to The Athletic in 2023, he said: “In Italy, defenders run the least amount of kilometres in the team, here it’s different: I almost run the most.
“With my power and pace, I can dominate opponents, but I’m not one of those defenders who can simply outrun everyone.
“I’m relying a lot on the mental side of the game. My biggest strength is reading the game and anticipating what’s happening.
“Physically, playing at this level is hard enough. But it’s even harder on a mental level for a defender.
“You can play the best game and then lose your marker in the last minute and it’s game over.
“It’s hard to keep up that level of concentration — not just every three days, but in training as well.”
Matthijs de Ligt’s ability could be the key weapon for Ruben Amorim against Viktor Gyokeres in the Man Utd vs Arsenal match
Matthijs de Ligt had a relatively strong season at Old Trafford after his arrival from Bayern Munich last summer, despite his run being curtailed at times due to injuries.
The United defender was an influential figure under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and De Ligt showed his ability to adapt to the demands of the Premier League after his transfer.
Despite being ‘written off’ by some pundits and being overlooked by others, the former Ajax and Juventus defender impressed with his steady performances.
De Ligt also effortlessly adapted to Amorim’s playing style in the three-man backline and has played both centrally and as the right-sided centre-back in the system.
The ex-Bayern Munich star already has Premier League experience on his side, while there have been question marks around Gyokeres’ ability to adapt to the league.
De Ligt’s “mental side” of his football mind and his confidence and ability to read certain patterns of play could cause a real nightmare for Gyokeres on the pitch.
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