Rio Ferdinand has explained why Manchester United should not chase Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres in the summer.
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Ferdinand warns Man Utd against signing GyokeresSwedish forward deemed wrong fit for Premier LeagueMan Utd looking to sign new forward in the summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Gyokeres has established himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Europe, as he has scored 82 goals in 90 appearances for Sporting across all competitions in the last two years. His proficiency in front of the goal has caught the attention of several top European teams, including Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United.
AdvertisementGOAL/GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Red Devils are reportedly looking to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025-26 season and have accordingly prepared a shortlist of forwards they can sign. However, United legend Ferdinand believes that Gyokeres isn't the ideal profile that would fit into the system that Ruben Amorim has implemented at Old Trafford. He also cast doubts over the Swedish forward's "physicality", which could make him a misfit in the Premier League.
WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: "I don’t think he’s the guy. I’ve not watched him loads, but I’ve probably watched him three times really, really closely. Three times I’ve watched him, and I’ve gone, he ain’t getting those opportunities in the Premier League. When I see him physically matched, I don’t see it. What else is there?
"That’s the question I’m asking. Is there enough after he’s physically matched to get a goal? Physicality is a massive thing in the game today. A Ruben Amorim team needs physicality and runners, but there’s no real physicality in this squad. It just isn’t there."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR VIKTOR GYOKERES?
For now, the 26-year-old remains focused on winning the Liga Portugal title with Sporting CP, who have a three-point lead over Benfica at the top of the table. The forward will be next seen in action on Sunday as his club faces Famalicao.
