Why Viktor Gyokeres Turned Down Manchester United in Favour of Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres decided against a move to Manchester United due to Ruben Amorim's handling of one specific player, according to new reports in Portugal. Gyokeres' future has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer, with the Swede now seemingly destined to complete a move to Arsenal.

Prior to that, the 27-year-old was believed to be high on Ruben Amorim's shortlist for a new number nine, with the pair forming a strong relationship during their time together at Sporting CP, where Gyokeres transformed into one of Europe's deadliest strikers. However, despite their previous links to one another, it appears the forward did not like the treatment of one former United star by his old boss, which led to him opting against the move.

Related Man Utd Want to Sign ‘Freak Athlete’ After INEOS Scouting Mission Manchester United have only made one major signing in the current transfer window but another is in their sights this summer

Gyokeres Unhappy With Amorim's Treatment of Victor Lindelof

The way the defender was let go is reportedly one of the main reasons behind the striker's decision

Close

According to a report from Portuguese outfit Record, as per the Daily Mail, Gyokeres was left upset by the way Amorim treated Victor Lindelof ahead of the defender's release from the club. Lindelof, who is also a Swedish international, brought an end to his Old Trafford career this summer, leaving on a free transfer having joined in 2017.

The central defender had largely been relegated to being one of the back-up defenders following the arrival of the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, and his injury record meant that he struggled to gain momentum to earn his way back into the team when fit.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Lindelof made 18 appearances for United under Ruben Amorim.

It is claimed that Lindelof had expressed a desire to remain at Old Trafford if offered a new deal, but one was not forthcoming by Amorim. This is said to have angered his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, who also happens to be the agent of Gyokeres. The Turkish businessman was left annoyed, especially after he had previously helped Amorim sign Gyokeres to Sporting in 2023 when he had interest from several Premier League clubs.

Viktor Gyokeres' Primeira Liga statistics - Sporting squad ranking Stats Output Squad rank Appearances 33 3rd Goals 39 1st Key Passes Per Game 1.9 3rd Shots Per Game 4.2 1st Dribbles Per Game 1.8 2nd Match rating 8.08 1st

As well as the treatment of Lindelof, the lack of Champions League football, the uncertainty surrounding the club's financial state, and Gyokeres' lack of conviction given United finished the league season in 15th, were also cited as factors for the decision.

Together, Gyokeres and Lindelof have played 16 times for their national team, winning seven of those contests.

Related Marcus Rashford 'May Not be Able to Play For Barcelona' Due to Major Issue One of the main reasons Nico Williams didn't move to Barcelona this summer was because of financial limitations.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 21/07/2025.

Click here to read article