Rio Ferdinand believes Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres will be Ruben Amorim’s first signing for Manchester United.
The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of the 39-year-old on Friday, just days after sacking Erik ten Hag.
Amorim will start working at United on November 11 but fans are already daring to dream that he might be able to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
Ferdinand, speaking on Rio Reacts, has now opened up.
Rio Ferdinand has talked up Ruben Amorim after the 39-year-old was confirmed as the new head coach of Manchester United
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The former United star, who won six Premier League titles during his spell in Manchester, thinks Sporting striker Gyokeres is likely to be Arorim’s first addition.
The ex-Coventry forward netted 43 goals from 50 matches last term after arriving from the Championship side.
And he’s since followed that up with 16 goals from 15 matches so far this season.
Ferdinand said: “Gyokeres has scored a hat load of goals and Amorim has made a player out of him.
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“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.”
Before taking the United job, Amorim was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City at the end of the season.
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Pep Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium is shrouded in uncertainty, with his current deal due to expire in the summer.
And Ferdinand says Amorim was under consideration at City, despite the reigning Premier League champions downplaying their interest.
“He was fairly sought after by some of the top clubs,” added the former England skipper.
“I think if Pep had gone he would be someone Man City would have gone for. I’ve heard that on good authority.”
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Rio Ferdinand believes Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres will be Ruben Amorim’s first signing for Manchester United
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United believe that, in Amorim, they’re hiring one of the best young managers on the planet.
And they talked up his credentials in their statement confirming his appointment, with the Red Devils saying: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.
“He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.
“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.
Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester United
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“Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”