Viktor Gyokeres Has ‘Turned Down’ Man United Move | OneFootball

Gyokeres Turns Down United Reunion With Amorim as Transfer Market Heats Up

Viktor Gyokeres Says No to Old Trafford Return

Manchester United’s hopes of landing Viktor Gyokeres have taken a hit, with the prolific Sporting Lisbon striker reportedly rejecting the chance to link up with former boss Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. According to Record, as reported by Sky Sports, “Gyokeres’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has told United his client does not want to be reunited with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford next season.”

Gyokeres, who enjoyed a remarkable campaign in Portugal with 54 goals in just 52 appearances, has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. His dynamic partnership with Amorim at Sporting seemed a natural link to United’s ongoing rebuild, especially with Amorim tipped to be in the mix for the United job. Yet, it appears the player himself is drawing a firm line under that chapter.

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Arsenal Monitoring Situation Closely

Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on the 27-year-old Sweden international, and their more stable project might appeal more to a striker entering his prime. Unlike United, who remain in managerial flux and tactical uncertainty, Mikel Arteta’s side have Champions League football and a clearer vision to offer.

While no formal offer has yet been confirmed, interest from North London might accelerate, especially if Gyokeres remains disinterested in United’s advances. This is a blow for United, who are actively seeking a proven forward to ease the burden on Rasmus Højlund.

Amorim Link May Have Hindered Rather Than Helped

It’s telling that the potential presence of Amorim, whom many assumed would be an asset in the chase for Gyokeres, may have done the opposite.

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Whether this signals personal dissatisfaction between player and coach or simply a reluctance to join a chaotic United setup remains open to interpretation. However, the notion that United’s managerial decisions may deter top talent is not lost on fans and analysts alike.

What This Means for United’s Summer Plans

For United, it’s another setback in what’s shaping up to be a crucial summer. The club remains hamstrung by lingering doubts over leadership, strategy, and recruitment clarity. Missing out on Gyokeres, even in these early stages, is less about one player and more about what it says regarding United’s pulling power in 2025.

More importantly, it underlines the club’s difficulty in convincing top-level players to buy into a vision that feels, at best, uncertain. When a striker who scored 54 goals in a season prefers to keep his distance, alarm bells should be ringing across the corridors of Carrington.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For United fans, this isn’t just disappointing, it’s frustratingly familiar. We’ve seen it before: top targets slipping away while rivals position themselves with clearer intent. If a player like Viktor Gyokeres, on the back of a golden season, can’t be lured by the lure of Old Trafford, then questions need to be asked.

Was it really about Amorim? Or is it about United’s muddled state of affairs? Fans can’t be blamed for wondering why Arsenal, who finished second again, seem the more attractive project. They’ve got a plan. We’ve got confusion.

Yes, Rasmus Højlund has promise. But United can’t afford to place all the goalscoring weight on his shoulders again next season. Missing out on Harry Kane last year was bad enough. Failing to get Gyokeres now suggests a deeper issue, players no longer view United as a destination club.

Maybe Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans need to kick into gear a little quicker. Otherwise, the gap to the top will grow wider, and players like Gyokeres will continue to say “no thanks.”