Viktor Gyokeres’ Man Utd rejection reason, how Ruben Amorim 'upset' agent and true feelings

Viktor Gyokeres’ Man Utd rejection reason, how Ruben Amorim 'upset' agent and true feelings

Viktor Gyokeres looks set to make his Arsenal debut against Manchester United, where he will be reuniting with his former Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim

Viktor Gyokeres will line up against his former mentor Ruben Amorim (Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford in a match with multiple narratives unfolding. One of the most significant stories will be the reunion of Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim and the Gunners' star striker signing Viktor Gyokeres.

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The pair wreaked havoc together at Sporting Lisbon. Following Gyokeres' stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League - Amorim's farewell home match as Sporting boss - it seemed inevitable he would follow him to Old Trafford.

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Though United were reportedly keen on securing his services, the Swedish sensation had his heart set solely on a move to Mikel Arteta's side, regardless of Amorim taking charge at the Theatre of Dreams. With their first encounter on opposing sides looming, Mirror Football examines their respective journeys following their separation.

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Gyokeres' reason for Man Utd snub

United were ready to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal in the battle for Gyokeres' signature, but the former Coventry City ace had his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium. He made his intentions crystal clear when questioned about his choice shortly after the official announcement.

He said: "There were other clubs, of course, but this wasn't a hard choice. I chose Arsenal. When I was playing against Arsenal last season [in the Champions League], I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.

"That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It's been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That's what it's all about. It's going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well."

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Agent 'upset' with Amorim

Gyokeres' agent was unhappy with Amorim (Image: 2025 Ben Roberts - Danehouse)

Reports from Portuguese outlet Record claimed Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, was left "hurt" by the United boss. As well as representing the Arsenal striker, he also looks after former United defender Victor Lindelof.

Following eight years at Old Trafford, the Red Devils decided against offering the ex-Benfica centre-back fresh terms, leading to his departure on a free transfer. It's understood Lindelof was keen to remain and battle for his position, but Amorim chose to release the 31-year-old.

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This move reportedly left Cetinkaya "upset". At the time, it was claimed the door has been closed for a potential switch to Old Trafford for Gyokeres following Lindelof's departure.

It proved irrelevant as it became clear the striker favoured Arsenal. United had also already dismissed themselves from pursuing him before securing Benjamin Sesko.

True feelings

Gyokeres has already revealed his honest thoughts on Amorim (Image: 2024 DeFodi Images)

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Gyokeres started making a name for himself at Coventry City, but his time under Amorim is what saw him become one of the most talked-about players in world football. Despite his admiration for the United manager, he confessed he was left stunned by his exit.

He has previously said: "It was a shock. It's never happened to me to see a manager leave in the middle of the season when everything was going well. It was surprising, but I totally understand his decision."

Amorim also delivered some frank remarks about Gyokeres when quizzed about speculation surrounding the striker back in April. He appeared to hint the forward would not have fancied a switch to United unless they secured Champions League football.

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The Red Devils boss said: "I didn't talk to Viktor. But if a player only wants to join Manchester United to play Champions League then that player will not come to Manchester United. We want players who want to represent United and not players who want to play only certain competitions."

Gyokeres' tactical admission

Gyokeres has spoken honestly about his decision to join Arsenal (Image: YouTube/Arsenal)

For better or worse, Amorim has relentlessly attempted to drill his tactical blueprint into United. Whilst there were occasions when it appeared the Portuguese manager was creating unnecessary difficulties by persisting with his 3-4-3 system, he's remained committed to the approach which delivered silverware at Sporting.

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If anyone flourished and thrived under Amorim's methods, it was Gyokeres. Previously, the striker acknowledged this himself in another interview.

He said: "We won two championships in a row, for the first time in 71 years. It's an incredible achievement, and of course, Ruben Amorim played a big role in that. I can't thank him enough. The style of play we had under his orders suited me perfectly."

If Gyokeres had opted for United, his remarks about his ex-manager's playing style hint that he would have been optimistic about making a name for himself at Old Trafford. But a different story will now unfold, beginning with their reunion.

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