- Ruben Amorim is reportedly desperate to improve his squad in the January window.
- United are just seven points clear of the relegation zone after 19 league games
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all starting! New line-up, some new faces, but optimism has faded at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim has told Manchester United bosses that he cannot wait until the summer to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, a report claims.
The Sporting Lisbon striker achieved notable goalscoring exploits under the Red Devils boss at the Portuguese giants and has been linked with a move to Old Trafford amid the club’s recent problems.
United could see Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee leave the club in the January transfer window, with the former eager to seek pastures new. Meanwhile, the Dutchman has struggled to adapt since his summer signing.
After the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday, their ninth of the league campaign, Amorim indicated he would not be able to improve his squad this winter, saying: “We don’t have that chance in January.”
However, according to the daily starThe Portuguese has informed club bosses that acquiring Gyokeres this month is a necessity.
The 26-year-old previously left Championship side Coventry last year in a £20million deal following the club’s second division play-off final defeat against Luton.
Manchester United have continued to struggle this season following the appointment of Ruben Amorim in November.
Viktor Gyokeres became the most lethal scorer in Europe at Sporting Lisbon under the direction of the Portuguese coach
United reportedly need to offload players before making additions in January. Pictured: co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
But a move to Old Trafford would cost the club around £80m, due to a release clause in his contract.
Reports in recent weeks have claimed that United will need to offload players before they can bring in new talent. In addition to attacking positions, the team desperately needs full-backs who adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Last month, Gyokeres fueled speculation about a move to the Premier League when he expressed his desire to play in the English top flight.
“Of course (moving to Sporting) was different, because I had the goal of playing in the Premier League,” he told Swedish Daily.
‘That was my approach and the adaptation was difficult… but I thought about it, I talked to those around me and they helped me a lot.
“It started to feel more and more like it was the right thing to do: to play for a top team and have more opportunities during games.
”In the end, it seems like it was the best choice for me’
Amorim had previously denied suggestions that he would launch a raid on his former club any time soon for Gyokeres, but the seriousness of United’s situation may have prompted a change of heart.
The club’s top scorers this season are Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, who has not played since early December, with four goals. Monday’s defeat against the Magpies left the club seven points clear of relegation, in 14th place.
The Red Devils will face leaders Liverpool on Sunday before an FA Cup third round clash against Arsenal at the Emirates.