Man Utd chief Dan Ashworth faces awkward Ruben Amorim conversation over transfer blunder
Viktor Gyokeres stole the show in Ruben Amorim's final home game in charge of the club ahead of his move to Manchester United - and there has been speculation that the coach will attempt to bring the forward with him
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorManchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth could be left red-faced if incoming manager Ruben Amorim asks to sign his Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres - having sold the Swedish star for just £1million when he was at Brighton.
Gyokeres showed he is one of football's most sought-after strikers after blitzing a hat-trick against Manchester City on Wednesday evening to inspire their 4-1 victory in the Champions League.
The 26-year-old stole the show on what was Amorim's final home game in charge of the club ahead of his impending move to Old Trafford on November 11 - and there has been growing speculation that the Portuguese boss will attempt to bring Gyokeres with him next year.
Gyokeres was on the books of Brighton after joining them in 2017 but only featured eight times before he was sold to Coventry for a modest fee of £1m in 2021 - sanctioned by then-technical director Ashworth - and went on to become a sensation for the Sky Blues.
He netted 40 goals in total for Coventry across three seasons before earning himself a £16m switch to Sporting - a club record for the Primeira Liga giants - and he's since been a huge hit as he scored 43 goals in his first 50 appearances to inspire the club to the league title.
United could now be forced to pay a huge sum for Gyokeres if they ever try to bring him to the club - with the player having a release clause of around £80million in his deal - though it's claimed he has an agreement with Sporting to let him leave for under £60m next summer.
Ashworth was hired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier this year after leaving a similar role at Newcastle and he has already been instrumental in a string of key signings - such as Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirzkee, Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt.
If they do turn to the Swede, it won't be until next summer, with Amorim recently promising not to raid Sporting for his star man in January - citing his high transfer fee.
"I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January," he conceded. “Gyokeres costs €100million and it’s very difficult.”
The player himself has also addressed the prospect of linking up with Amorim at United, refusing to totally shut down the reports but insisting he was happy at Sporting.
"Going with Amorim to Man United? I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here. I’m sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best."
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