Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder's glowing verdict of Viktor Gyokeres compared to Erling Haaland has perfectly explained why Manchester United should swoop for the Sporting CP striker. The Swede is one of Europe's in-form goalscorers, and he hit a hat-trick in his side's shock 4-1 win over Manchester City.
Gyokeres, 26, netted a hat-trick for Sporting as they beat City in the UEFA Champions League in Ruben Amorim's final home game in charge. The Portuguese tactician will become the Red Devils' new head coach at Old Trafford on November 11.
Many expect Manchester United to try to bring Gyokeres along with Amorim soon. His three goals against City took his tally for the season to 23 goals and four assists in 17 games across competitions.
Van der Vaart was blown away by Gyokeres' performance at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. The Dutch icon hailed the former Coventry City frontman and insisted he was better than Haaland (via TheEuropeanLad on X):
"Viktor Gyokeres is an improved version of Erling Haaland. He’s got more than Haaland and he would score just as many goals at Manchester City."
Haaland, 24, hit the woodwork with a penalty in the defeat to Sporting. The Norweigan has been the Premier League's most potent striker since arriving at the Etihad in July 2022.
Yet, Sneijder has concerns about the former Borussia Dortmund man:
"I agree (Gyokeres has more than Haaland). And when you watch Haaland on the ball… everything looks heavy and difficult with him."
SportBILD's Tobi Altschaffl reports that Manchester United will likely be in the race for Gyokeres. Bayern Munich also have the Sweden international on their radar amid a stellar run in front of goal.
"If I joke about that [signing Viktor Gyökeres for Man Utd], I have a problem. This is my city, this is my country... I will respect it."
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 5, 2024
Rúben Amorim with a great show of respect to Sporting as a club and the city of Lisbon...
🎙 @Becky_Ives_ pic.twitter.com/l2PJbMZCWi
Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth sold Gyokeres three years ago
Gyokeres' rich rein of form will be no surprise to Coventry fans. He was just as prolific with the EFL Championship outfit, posting 43 goals in 116 games for the Sky Blues.
The Stockholm-born frontman was initially at Brighton & Hove Albion but not given a chance at the Amex. He made just eight appearances for the Seagulls, with one goal and an assist.
Brighton sold Gyokeres to Coventry in 2021 at 23 for just £1 million. Dan Ashworth, Manchester United's sporting director, was behind the decision.
Gyokeres excelled in the Championship and earned himself a £20 million move to Sporting in July 2023. He's become even more potent under Amorim, and the Old Trafford faithful are hoping their connection continues with the Red Devils.