Rio Ferdinand argues Man Utd target is lacking 'massive thing' needed for Ruben Amorim's team, he's 'watched him' closely

Rio Ferdinand has said that he has watched one Manchester United target “three times” and remains unconvinced that he is the ‘right fit’ for Ruben Amorim’s team.

Ruben Amorim’s men are preparing for their crucial second-leg last-16 Europa League encounter against La Liga club Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.

The Red Devils travelled to the Reale Arena last Thursday and Manchester United and Real Sociedad played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg round-of-16 tie.

Following United’s clash with Sociedad last week, Ruben Amorim’s side impressed with their performance in the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

United hosted Arsenal at Old Trafford and they took the lead through Bruno Fernandes before half-time, but Declan Rice found the equaliser in the second half.

The Europa League is essential for United’s hopes of securing Champions League football for next season and lifting any major silverware in the current campaign.

United languish in 14th place in the Premier League table and face the possibility of ending the 2024-25 campaign without securing European football for next season.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe rules out Man Utd not pulling off ‘impossible’ feat, ‘outstanding’ Ruben Amorim is essential for prediction

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What Rio Ferdinand has noticed from Man Utd target Viktor Gyokeres on the pitch

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand has raised his doubts about Manchester United trying to bring Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford in the summer.

Viktor Gyokeres played under United manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP and the Swedish forward has enjoyed a scintillating spell at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

The 26-year-old Sporting CP striker has scored an impressive 82 times in 90 matches for the Portuguese outfit and lifted a Primeira Liga title with the club.

Gyokeres is under contract with United until 2028 and the Swedish striker is believed to have a release clause of £80m in his current Sporting deal.

Ferdinand claimed that United-linked Gyokeres has not impressed him when he has been “physically matched” and might not meet the demands of the Premier League.

“I don’t think he’s the guy,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

“I’ve not watched him loads, but I’ve probably watched him three times really, really closely.

“Three times I’ve watched him, and I’ve gone, he ain’t getting those opportunities in the Premier League. When I see him physically matched, I don’t see it. What else is there?

“That’s the question I’m asking. Is there enough after he’s physically matched to get a goal?

“Physicality is a massive thing in the game today. A Ruben Amorim team needs physicality and runners, but there’s no real physicality in this squad. It just isn’t there.”

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals what Ruben Amorim is now benefiting from that Erik ten Hag never had, he’s finally ‘corrected it’

What Rio Ferdinand is not seeing in Viktor Gyokeres’ importance for Man Utd

Amorim has struggled with his forward options since his arrival from Sporting and the 40-year-old United manager is in desperate need of a new striking option.

Rasmus Hojlund has not scored in his last 20 matches for the Red Devils and the 22-year-old Denmark and United striker looks lost on pitch for his side.

Joshua Zirkzee has shown moments of brilliance with his link-up play, but the United striker has failed to deliver the regular goalscoring numbers his side have needed.

Viktor Gyokeres, unlike Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, is built for Amorim’s tactical system and the Sporting striker could thrive under him at Old Trafford.

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