Manchester United suffer fresh blow as European giants join race to sign Ruben Amorim top transfer target: Reports

Manchester United have reportedly suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Ruben Amorim's top target Viktor Gyokeres. As reported by The Daily Star, German giants Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign the Sweden international.

Amorim is reportedly desperate to land a top-class number nine to improve the squad he inherited at Old Trafford in November 2024. Gyokeres is reportedly the player at the top of his wishlist having formerly worked with him at Sporting CP.

However, Manchester United's hopes of landing the 26-year-old have suffered a major blow with Bayern Munich entering the race. The Bavarian giants are reportedly ready to trigger Gyokeres' £80 million release clause.

The Red Devils have a big advantage in their pursuit of Gyokores thanks to their new manager Amorim. The Portuguese manager managed to bring the best out of the Swede at Sporting CP and helped him rise to prominence.

However, the striker is understood to be not particularly keen on joining the 20-time English champions given their recent struggles. He wants Champions League football which Amorim's side are almost destined to miss next season.

Gyokores has been one of the most productive strikers in Europen since his reported €20 million switch from Coventry City in 2023. He has 73 goals and 21 assists in 78 appearances for the Portuguese giants so far.

The Swede is currently in the form of his life having scored 30 goals in 28 games this season while also contributing with six assists. The Manchester United target played 68 games under Ruben Amorim, scoring 66 goals and providing 23 assists.

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Ally McCoist hails Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim for exploiting Liverpool star in 2-2 draw

Manchester United secured a huge 2-2 draw against their arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, January 5. With Arne Slot's side in rampant form this season and the Red Devils struggling at the bottom half of the table, very few expected Ruben Amorim's side to get a result at Anfield.

However, the Portuguese tactician managed to secure a fantastic result against the Premier League and Champions League leaders. Following the game, pundit Ally McCoist hailed Amorim for exploiting Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive shortcomings.

He said on talkSPORT:

"I know it's only one game but I thought it was a very, very good performance from United. But in terms of Trent'd defensive play yesterday, A, I thought it was really, really poor, but B, I'm maybe not just as surprised as some people are."

McCoist added:

"I don't think he's great defensively, I think, as I said earlier, his main attribute is going forward and with the ball at his feet and passing. So, fair play to Ruben Amorim and United for exploiting that and they did it exceptionally well."

Manchester United will be up against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, January 12. The Gunners are second in the Premier League table and will be a big test for the Red Devils.