Manchester United has many reasons to sign a second blockbuster deal from Sporting CP.
One of the biggest issues frustrating Manchester United fans this season is that Erik Ten Hag’s team has actually performed much better than their results suggest. In the last three matches, the Red Devils’ forwards have wasted numerous opportunities, a problem that has persisted since last season and continues to cause problems.
While Rasmus Hojlund’s injury has had an impact, he had already seen a significant dip in form in the latter half of last season. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee is not a true striker. So why hasn’t Manchester United signed a “number 9” who scored 43 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions last season?
The last time Manchester United signed a player from Sporting CP, they acquired Bruno Fernandes, which was one of the most successful deals in the “post-Sir Alex” era. Currently, Sporting CP has a star who would be a perfect fit for the Red Devils: Viktor Gyokeres, one of the best strikers in Europe right now. Clearly, this is a move Manchester United should consider.
Gyokeres has proven he is not a “one-season wonder” with his explosive form this season. In just 4 appearances in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, he has scored 7 goals and provided 1 assist. Across all competitions, he has been involved in 10 of Sporting CP’s goals in 5 matches, making top European clubs regret not signing him in the summer transfer window.
This includes Manchester United, as well as other Premier League giants like Arsenal and Chelsea. Gyokeres’ exclusion from the transfer window may have been a motivation for his current form. According to Unitedinfocus, Gyokeres’ impressive stats are not down to luck; his movement in the box to create high-quality chances and his ability to convert them into goals are truly world-class.
This season, Gyokeres has an expected goals (xG) rating of 7, and he has scored exactly 7 goals—highlighting his exceptional finishing ability. Meanwhile, Manchester United missed all 3 clear-cut chances in their match against Liverpool, despite having an xG of 1.36. Clearly, Gyokeres would be a perfect signing to address United’s issues, and at 26, he is entering the peak of his career.
Moreover, Gyokeres also has experience playing in England from his time in the Championship with Coventry City. From a technical perspective, Gyokeres is an ideal signing for Manchester United.
