All roads this summer are leading to Manchester United formalising interest in signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
The Sweden international has been one of the world’s best number nines over the past two seasons since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City in 2023.
Viktor Gyokeres in all competitions since joining Sporting CP
- 102 games
- 97 goals
- 28 assists
Such an impressive goal scoring record is not normal and even when considering the level of opposition, he scoring is scaleable, with even half the amount being a good return in the Premier League.
Viktor Gyokeres rose to stardom under Ruben Amorim, which is the main card Manchester United are playing in the race to sign the 26-year-old in the summer transfer window.
Last year, Amorim lauded Gyokeres’ transformational qualities for the Sporting team, and it is likely that he would be similarly impactful for United if signed.
Gyokeres was Amorim’s striker choice ahead of Liam Delap, however not everyone is sold on the European Golden Boot runner up.
Rio Ferdinand has big worry about Viktor Gyokeres joining Manchester United
Gyokeres’ numbers speak for themselves, however, given that the majority have come against Portuguese league teams, there is a hesitancy from many to completely support the signing, with Rio Ferdinand concerned.
Speaking about Gyokeres earlier this year on the Rio Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand revealed his doubts over the Swede being United’s big striker addition.
“I don’t think he’s the guy for Manchester United. I’ve watched him loads, I’ve watched him maybe three times really, really closely, and three times I’ve gone [shakes his head].
“He ain’t getting those opportunities in the Premier League. When I see him physically matched, I don’t see what else is there? That’s the question I am asking, is there enough after he’s physically matched to be able to get him a goal?”
On the one hand, Ferdinand as a central defensive legend should be well placed to make judgements around strikers. However, he doesn’t have the best track record of endorsing successful signings at United which sees his criticism almost a positive for the deal being a success.
Ferdinand’s doubts are not shared widely, with Nani backing Gyokeres to succeed, while there are numerous positives to take.
Viktor Gyokeres has multiple green flags for Manchester United
While Ferdinand’s doubts over whether Gyokeres can handle the Premier League, there are multiple reasons to be confident that he will be a flying success.
When analysing Gyokeres’ goal catalogue it becomes clear that he doesn’t just score in transition or by using his strength, but can do it all. Take his hat-trick against Moreirense for example, Gyokeres scored a poachers goal, finished one chance he had no right to score from and also converted a free-kick.
The Swede has a knack of always being in the right place in the box to get himself easy chances, which is a sign that he will score anywhere he goes and a massive green flag.
Gyokeres has not only scored in Portugal, but got three against Manchester City and bagged nine in the Nations League for Sweden to finish as the competitions top scorer.
There are no guarantees in football, but the variety of goals and the positioning of Gyokeres are signs that fans should not overthink Gyokeres, if he comes he will score goals and at the very least be a massive upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund.
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