Manchester United is facing intense scrutiny following their lackluster performance on the pitch, culminating in four consecutive losses across all competitions. The struggling Premier League giants are eyeing reinforcements, particularly targeting Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, to alleviate their goal-scoring woes.
Having one of the worst goal records among top-flight clubs—outpaced even by relegation-threatened teams—United's current attacking options have come under fire. Manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly pressed for urgent additions to bolster the team's frontline, highlighting Gyokeres as his chief target. With the January transfer window now open, the club’s direction has increasingly pivoted toward making their move for the talented striker.
“Ruben Amorim has made it clear he wants reinforcements this month and it had been widely reported...,” according to Standard Sport, reflecting the urgency felt within the United hierarchy. The team has not been shy about recognizing the need for effective firepower, as the lack of goals has left them vulnerable. Amorim, who previously managed Gyokeres at Sporting, understands the player’s capabilities and is pushing hard for his signature.
Gyokeres has been on fire this season, scoring 27 goals in just 27 appearances, which showcases his potential to significantly improve United's attacking threat. But pursuing Gyokeres will not come easy. Reports suggest Sporting Lisbon has slapped an £80 million asking price on the striker, which could complicate United's efforts amid their challenging financial situation. “The coach is privately demanding the capture of Gyokeres to add much-needed firepower to his faltering attack,” reported The i, emphasizing the importance of this acquisition.
To finance the move, United might need to offload several players to free up both space and funds. Key figures like Marcus Rashford have been floated as potential departures, with claims circulating about his willingness for “a new challenge.” The club is considering loaning out up to three major earners, including Rashford and others like Casemiro and Antony, to bolster their budget for Gyokeres.
“Manchester United’s terrible goal record has seen relegation-threatened sides like Wolves score more goals...,” highlights the urgency, as the team grapples with sustained poor form. The upcoming transfer window, combined with the dissatisfaction evident among players, puts additional pressure on United’s leadership to act swiftly.
Despite the pressure, the Glazers and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will weigh their options carefully. They need not just to sign players, but to offload some of their existing squad members who have underperformed, including options like Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee, who have not been fully embraced as valuable assets this season.
Interestingly, Gyokeres himself appears receptive to the idea of joining Manchester United. His background as a fan of former club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic adds emotional weight to his potential move, as noted by I News. “Gyokeres... has had an £80m asking price slapped onto him for any club looking to sign him...,” they report, but suggest Sporting would reconsider for around £60 million if United choose to wait until the summer for the transfer.
The timing of any potential agreement will hinge heavily on United's ability to maneuver their current squad dynamics. If key players like Casemiro do leave for Saudi Arabia, which has been hinted at with serious offers being presented, the club would not only clear substantial wages but also open defensive spaces from their recent acquisitions.
Left without decisiveness, the Manchester United board must act. The club is counting on its historical status and marketability to draw players like Gyokeres, especially under Amorim’s guidance—a manager who is now rallying for the very talent he once coached and helped thrive at Sporting. The pressure mounts on United to turn their season around, and Gyokeres is viewed as the pivotal piece needed to revive their attacking faction.