Manchester United ‘switch’ to 122-goal striker as Rúben Amorim deems Victor Gyökeres ‘too difficult’ to sign

Manchester United have reportedly switched their attention to a 122-goal striker as Rúben Amorim deems Victor Gyökeres ‘too difficult’ to sign.

Rúben Amorim has officially stepped in as Manchester United’s new head coach, following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last month.

Although United announced Amorim’s appointment two weeks ago, a delay caused by complications with his Sporting CP release clause meant he could not take up the role immediately. Those issues have now been resolved, allowing him to finally get started this week.

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In his absence, Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge as interim manager, securing three wins and a draw to help United move up slightly in both the Premier League and Europa League standings. However, they remain stuck in 13th and 15th positions, respectively.

Now, the 39-year-old Amorim faces a daunting challenge, with his first training session scheduled for early next week as he looks to turn United’s season around.

United switch from Gyökeres

According to journalist Gerardo Fasano via Area Napoli, although United hold an interest in Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres, with a potential swap deal using Joshua Zirkzee touted as an option, Amorim has already detailed signing the 26-year-old as too much of a difficulty.

Therefore, Fasano explains that United is now testing the waters for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray following a fallout with the Serie A side’s owners.

“Manchester United is said to be on the trail of Victor Osimhen. I have been told that the English, through mister Amorim, could include the former Bologna striker Zirkzee in the negotiations for Osimhen,” Fasano revealed.

“Zirkzee could help (Romelu) Lukaku find himself. Money plus Zirkzee for Osimhen. Amorim has understood that Sporting Lisbon could ask too much for Gyökeres and is testing the waters for Osimhen.

“Zirkzee might not be the ideal striker for the coach. The former Bologna player would instead help Lukaku next season: the two would form an important pair. However, Juventus is also interested in Zirkzee and can count on Thiago Motta, a coach who has greatly enhanced the player.”

United’s relationship with Napoli

As the moment, United hold a good relationship with Napoli, with the two sides having hashed out a £25 million deal in the summer that saw Scott McTominay swap rainy Manchester for sunny Napales.

McTominay has been fantastic for his new Italian side, scoring three goals and providing two assists in his opening 13 games, becoming an engine in Antonio Conte’s midfield.

With Osimhen’s relationship with the club beyond repair, the striker with 122 career goals is looking for a permanent solution this summer after potential moves to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia both fell through in the summer.

Should United choose to move Zirkzee on, Osimhen would provide a fantastic striker option alongside Rasmus Højlund as Amorim looks to add firepower to his front line.

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