Ruben Amorim is well-acquainted with what lies ahead as he prepares for a face-off with Viktor Gyokeres in Sunday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal. Previously, he has shed light on the striker’s key vulnerability.
Gyokeres, aged 27, joined the Gunners from Sporting Lisbon for a deal that could rise to £64 million, following a protracted transfer saga during the summer.
The Swedish forward, who had also been a target for United, is ready to make his Premier League debut after having played for Brighton, Swansea, and Coventry in the English leagues.
In Lisbon, Gyokeres delivered a remarkable two-year performance, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most intimidating strikers with 97 goals in 102 appearances.
However, in quotes that have recirculated, back in March 2024 Amorim once gave a brutal assessment of Gyokeres’ game and highlighted a major flaw.
Man United boss Ruben Amorim has previously revealed Viktor Gyokeres’ biggest weakness
Gyokeres is in line for his Arsenal debut against United on Sunday after joining this summer
“Gyokeres has much room for improvement,” Amorim stated after Sporting’s exit from the Europa League due to a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Atalanta.
‘He plays the same way against a slow or a fast centre-back. Everything he does in the Portuguese First Division, he does against Atalanta.
‘He can still improve his understanding of the game. He still lacks defensive reaction, and all coaches look at that.’
Despite these critical remarks, Amorim maintained a positive rapport with Gyokeres and took the opportunity in the same discussion to commend the 27-year-old’s abilities.
‘There are many small details he can still improve on, but he gives us a lot,’ Amorim added.
‘He always stretches the team, lets us rest, wins fouls, and often other teams have to substitute centre-backs because they’re on a yellow card or tired.’
During his first full season with Sporting, Gyokeres scored 43 goals before he racked up an astonishing 54 in 52 games in 2024-25.
He also showed his quality on the European stage by scoring six goals in the Champions League, which included a hat-trick against Man City last season.
Amorim’s brutal assessment came in the aftermath of Sporting’s defeat by Atalanta in 2024
Elsewhere, Gyokeres has previously praised Amorim when reflecting on their time together at Sporting after the United boss moved to Old Trafford in November.
‘The style of play we had under him suited me perfectly,’ Gyokeres said earlier this summer. ‘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 part in that. I can’t thank him enough.’
Meanwhile, after signing for Arsenal, Gyokeres revealed why he had chosen a move to the Emirates over interest from rival teams.
‘I just felt that it was the right club for me,’ he told the club’s website shortly after signing.
‘What I heard from Mikel and Andrea (Berta) when I was speaking with them, and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football.
‘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.’
