Viktor Gyokeres has shown Ruben Amorim what he wants to see ahead of Man United move
by Jack Flintham · Manchester Evening NewsManchester United fans don't often tend to tune into a night of Noel Gallagher commentating on Manchester City in the Champions League but two men gave them reason to break the habit of a lifetime.
First was Ruben Amorim. The incoming United boss leading Sporting for the final time in Lisbon before departing for Old Trafford.
Second was Viktor Gyokeres. Every new manager tends to target their old club to find new recruits and the Swedish striker has been earmarked by many as the man United should be signing.
READ MORE: Amorim receives green light from Ten Hag's transfer target
READ MORE: Amorim told exactly what is happening in United dressing room
Since making the switch from Coventry City, the 26-year-old has been a goalscoring machine with 63 goals in 66 matches for the Portuguese club and with United suffering a goal drought, a move for Gyokeres next summer makes too much sense. Those perhaps tuning in to watch the striker for the first time on Tuesday night may have been wondering what all the fuss has been about in the opening stages.
After City went 1-0 up early doors, Gyokeres missed a guilt-edge chance when slipped through one-on-one, chipping the ball easily into Ederson's gloves. So long as they did not turn off after that miss, fans will have witnessed why the Swede is one of the most in-demand strikers in world football.
Not allowing himself to lose confidence when slipped through again, Gyokeres showed great composure to chip the ball into the back of the net. Shortly after the second half began, Gyokeres gave more evidence of his character as he fired home from the penalty spot to make it 3-1 Sporting.
It was even more emphatic considering Erling Haaland had the chance to pull one back from 12 yards but struck the crossbar. Before kick-off it was billed as the Gyokeres vs Haaland battle and there was no doubt who was the winner of that personal duel after that.
The icing was put on the cake when Gyokeres fired home another penalty to secure his hat-trick. A truly outstanding display.
For United, the message should be clear - sign Gyokeres. The Reds are crying out for a striker of his quality who can find the back of the net on a consistent basis, the only question mark remaining was whether he can do it against the best.
The striker eased those fears on Tuesday night and is starting to prove why he is valued at £83m. If Amorim is considering taking the Sporting striker to United, he will have been pleased with what he was shown.
There is not a depth of top No.9s in world football - United can't miss the opportunity to let this one go.
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