Now that the Gyökeres move is almost finalized, there’s no need for them in this team. We need to sell both of them to get funds for Gyökeres” – Ruben Amorim has reportedly reached a decision on the potential sales of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund as Manchester United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres progresses. The Swedish striker’s transfer is said to have overcome a significant obstacle, prompting Amorim to evaluate his forward options.
Ruben Amorim has reportedly made a surprising decision regarding the futures of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund amidst growing speculation that Viktor Gyökeres could join Manchester United. Despite Gyökeres being heavily linked to a move to Old Trafford, Amorim is said to have firmly decided that both Rashford and Højlund will remain integral to his long-term plans at the club.
In Amorim’s debut match as United manager, he chose to start Rashford as a central striker, despite the player being primarily known for his role as a left winger. Rashford opened the scoring early against Ipswich Town, but his overall performance left room for improvement as the match ended in a draw. Notably, Amorim opted to leave both Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee out of his starting lineup.
Gyökeres, who has been in exceptional form with 33 goals for club and country this season, is reportedly eager to reunite with Amorim at Manchester United. However, the Swedish striker also has interest from other Premier League giants, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Even with Gyökeres’ potential arrival, Amorim is clear in his stance: Rashford and Højlund are not for sale.
CaughtOffside reports that Amorim has communicated this position to the club, emphasizing his commitment to both players for the foreseeable future. While Rashford and Højlund appear secure in their roles, Joshua Zirkzee’s future at United is less certain, with Juventus reportedly eyeing a January loan move for the young striker.
Additionally, rumors have resurfaced about PSG’s interest in Rashford, fueled by manager Luis Enrique’s dissatisfaction with his current attacking lineup, particularly Gonçalo Ramos. Despite PSG making contact with Rashford’s representatives, Amorim and Manchester United reportedly have no plans to entertain any offers for the England international.
Meanwhile, other transfer developments include United’s pursuit of Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and interest in strengthening the left-back position, with Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez emerging as top targets. Critics have also suggested that Amorim is underutilizing Alejandro Garnacho by deploying him as a No. 10, with calls for the young talent to be restored to a more natural wide role.
Ruben Amorim’s stance on Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund underscores his commitment to building Manchester United’s attack around the duo, even amidst heavy links to Viktor Gyökeres and PSG’s reported interest in Rashford. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments:
### Rashford and Højlund’s Role Under Amorim:
1. **Rashford as a Central Striker**:
In Amorim’s debut against Ipswich Town, Rashford was deployed centrally, scoring early but delivering a mixed performance overall. This decision reflects Amorim’s experimental approach to maximize Rashford’s versatility.
2. **Højlund’s Prospects**:
Despite being benched in Amorim’s first game, Højlund remains a key part of the long-term strategy. His physicality and potential as a target man align with Amorim’s tactical preferences.
3. **Non-Negotiable Futures**:
Amorim has reportedly assured the club hierarchy that both Rashford and Højlund are indispensable, despite speculation about Gyökeres and PSG’s interest in Rashford.
### Viktor Gyökeres Link:
– **Reunion Potential**: Gyökeres, who has flourished under Amorim’s guidance at Sporting CP, is eager to reunite with his former manager.
– **Competition for Signature**: Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also pursuing the Swedish striker, creating a potential bidding war.
– **Impact on Zirkzee**: Gyökeres’ arrival would further jeopardize Joshua Zirkzee’s position at United, with Juventus reportedly preparing a loan bid for the Dutch forward.
### Transfer Rumors and Tactical Shifts:
1. **PSG Interest in Rashford**:
Luis Enrique sees Rashford as a solution to PSG’s attacking woes, but Amorim has made it clear that the England star is untouchable.
2. **Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Pursuit**:
United’s interest in Napoli’s dynamic winger signals Amorim’s intent to add flair and creativity to the attack, complementing Rashford and Højlund.
3. **Defensive Reinforcements**:
With the left-back position still a concern, targets like Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez are high on United’s radar.
4. **Garnacho’s Positioning**:
Critics have questioned Amorim’s decision to use Alejandro Garnacho as a No. 10 rather than in his natural wide role. The Argentine’s effectiveness has been limited in central areas, with fans calling for his restoration to the flanks.
### Outlook:
Amorim’s decisiveness in retaining Rashford and Højlund reflects a clear vision for Manchester United’s attacking identity. However, balancing these commitments with potential arrivals like Gyökeres and Kvaratskhelia will be crucial. While Rashford and Højlund appear to have secured their futures at Old Trafford, the January transfer window could still bring significant changes to the squad dynamics.