Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres will reunite with former manager Ruben Amorim by joining United.
Gyökeres, 26, is enjoying another prolific season at Sporting, having already netted 24 goals across all competitions.
The Swedish international’s remarkable goalscoring form has included a hat-trick in Sporting’s 4-1 victory over Manchester City and four goals against Azerbaijan during the international break.
These standout performances have only increased speculation about his potential move to Old Trafford, with Ferdinand lending weight to the rumours during his analysis on TNT Sports.
Ferdinand suggested that the prospect of reuniting with Amorim could make the transfer particularly enticing for Gyökeres.
“If he [Gyökeres] wants to win, he goes to Manchester United… no, I’m joking!” Ferdinand quipped before elaborating. “The key point is that he knows the manager.
“For a transition into another league, to go with somebody that knows your game perfectly and will actually be able to get the best out of you – he’s proved he can do that somewhere else.”
Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown on whether Viktor Gyokeres should join Manchester United or Arsenal.
Rio: "I think he’ll be licking his lips at something like that [joining Ruben Amorim]"
Rio thinks he should join Utd if he wants to win trophies 😂pic.twitter.com/RKzH2sTvhs
— Kyama ⚽ (@ElijahKyama_) November 26, 2024
Ferdinand Says Gyokeres Not In Top Bracket Yet
Despite Gyökeres’ impressive numbers, Ferdinand was keen to temper expectations, citing the step up required to thrive in England’s top tier.
“I wouldn’t put him in the top bracket yet because he hasn’t done it in a top league,” Ferdinand explained. “With all due respect to the Portuguese league, it is a very good league, but it’s not one of the top leagues.
“If he signs for a team in the Premier League, he’ll have to prove himself under that spotlight.”
Yet, the opportunity to become the centrepiece of a potential rebuild at United, under the familiar guidance of Amorim, could present a compelling narrative for Gyökeres.
“You’re going to go somewhere where [Amorim] is rebuilding, and you can be the star of that process with him,” Ferdinand added. “I think he’ll be licking his lips at something like that.”
Gyökeres, however, was unable to replicate his frightening scoring form in Sporting’s 5-1 defeat to Arsenal earlier this week. Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhães added insult to injury by mimicking Gyökeres’ signature celebration.
The Swede will look to rebound in Sporting’s upcoming fixture against Santa Clara on Saturday.
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