Rio Ferdinand questions Viktor Gyökeres’ suitability for Manchester United and suggests he go with Arsenal instead.
Rio Ferdinand, a legend of Manchester United, has voiced doubts about the team’s alleged interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, speculating that the Swedish forward would be more suited to a transfer to Arsenal.
Ferdinand said on talkSPORT that he is still not persuaded Gyökeres has the necessary skills to succeed at Old Trafford, especially considering the physical demands of the Premier League.
Ferdinand acknowledged, “I haven’t seen enough of him to be completely convinced.”
“He hasn’t stood out when I’ve seen him play against elite opponents in the Champions League—players who are physically comparable to him.”
Due to his outstanding play for Sporting, the 27-year-old forward has drawn interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, among other top European clubs. However, Ferdinand thinks that while Manchester United rebuilds under new manager Rúben Amorim, they should give priority to a more seasoned, proven forward.
“I would prioritize experience over all else for Manchester United right now,” he continued.
Sporting has a €100 million release clause in Gyökeres’ current contract, but the Portuguese powerhouses have hinted that they would be open to offers around €70 million.
Although the Swede’s strength, agility, and goal-scoring ability have dominated the Primeira Liga, Ferdinand’s remarks reveal deeper worries that he might not be ready to shoulder the attacking load at a team the size of United—particularly in the Premier League, where defensive tenacity and physical intensity are unforgiving.
Ferdinand has instead implied that Arsenal might provide a more favorable atmosphere for the striker’s growth and influence because of their technical, fluid system and depth in attacking areas.
Gyökeres’ future is still up in the air as the transfer market heats up, but with Manchester United and Arsenal keeping a close eye on the issue, the choice made at the last minute might have a big impact on the attacking prospects of the team that signs him.
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