Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has ruled out a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, amidst suggestions he is only keen on a switch to the club if Champions League football is on the table.
United are expected to sign a striker this summer and Gyokeres is believed to be a player they’re interested in.
Gyokeres cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers under Amorim during their time together at Sporting, before Amorim took over as United head coach in November last year.
Unsurprisingly, links to Gyokeres have only become more intense since Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag. The Swede is enjoying another prolific season in front of goal, notching a mind-boggling 38 goals and seven assists in 30 Liga Portugal appearances.
He has plundered 52 goals in 48 matches across all competitions.
It has been suggested that Gyokeres would only be open to joining United if they win the Europa League and book their slot in next season’s Champions League.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Sport TV, Amorim was asked about this and insisted that while he had not spoken to Gyokeres, he does not want any players whose primary interest is in playing in the Champions League.
Amorim said [via Fabrizio Romano on X], “Gyokeres deal? I didnt talk to him.”
“But if a player only wants to come to Man United to play Champions League, then he wont come.”
He added, “We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions.”
Rben Amorim: Gyokeres deal? I didnt talk to him. But if a player only wantes to come to Man United to play Champions League, then he wont come.
We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions, told @sporttvportugal. pic.twitter.com/KxDulThlw4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 30, 2025
Amorims statement is sure to be well-received by United fans and sets a clear tone for how the club intends to approach the transfer market.
Other strikers mentioned to be on United’s shopping list are Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Samu Aghehowa (Porto) and Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt), just to mention a few names.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
