Rio Ferdinand tips Ruben Amorim to immediately ‘break the bank’ for Man Utd target

Rio Ferdinand believes Ruben Amorim will ‘break the bank’ to bring Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United with him, even if it raises questions over Rasmus Hojlund’s future.

United confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese coach on Friday with Amorim set to officially begin duties on 11 November.

The 39-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in Europe and will be tasked with lifting United from their current malaise with scoring goals a major concern.

Only Southampton and Crystal Palace have scored less than United in the Premier League this season. Amorim has had no such problems in Portugal with his side scoring 30 times in nine games this season – with the electric form of Gyokeres a large part of that.

The Sweden international has 16 goals in 15 appearances after bagging 43 in 50 in his first campaign with Sporting last term following a move from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.

Arsenal are among the growing number of sides interested in his services but Ferdinand believes Amorim could make a move to United a top priority.

‘Gyokeres has scored a hat load of goals and Amorim has made a player out of him,’ Ferdinand told Rio Reacts. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he says “there is one player I need to get out of there [Sporting] and it’s going to be him”.

‘He’s is integral for him. What happens to Rasmus Hojlund if they break the bank for someone like him? 64 appearances, 53 goals, played in England before albeit in the Championship. Would they break the bank for him and what would that mean for Hojlund? It’s a big decision to make.’

Hojlund joined United from Atalanta in a deal that could rise to £72million in the summer of 2023, bagging 16 goals in his first season in English football.

The Dane, United’s only traditional centre forward option, has scored twice since returning from a hamstring injury last month.

Amorim will officially take the reins during November’s international break with Ferdinand viewing his arrival as a major coup for the club. With Pep Guardiola’s future uncertain, the 39-year-old has been linked with the manager’s job at Manchester City, speculation that heightened after confirmation Hugo Viana will leave Sporting next summer to become the club’s director of football.

‘He was fairly sought after by some of the top clubs,’ Ferdinand continued. ‘I think if Pep had gone he would be someone Man City would have gone for. I’ve heard that on good authority.’