"Start of that process" - Rio Ferdinand explains why Viktor Gyokeres might choose Manchester United over Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand thinks Viktor Gyokeres may factor in his connection with Ruben Amorim and the chance to help kickstart his reign at Manchester United when deciding on his next career move. The Sporting CP frontman is linked with a move next summer amid a breathtaking run of form this season.

Gyokeres, 26, has been sensational at theJose Avalade Stadium, bagging 24 goals and four assists in 19 games across competitions. He's on hot on the lips of European football fans with the expectation being he'll make a high-profile move next summer.

Manchester United and Arsenal are among the clubs touted in the race to sign Gyokeres. He has a reported release clause of £83 million but Sporting are willing to do bussiness at £70 million, per BBC Sport.

Rio Ferdinand thinks Gyokeres might choose Manchester United over Arsenal

Ferdinand gave an interesting take on the potential transfer tug-of-war for Gyokeres, especially if it includes Manchester United and Arsenal. The iconic former Red Devils defender feels he might want a reunion with Amorim to be at the forefront of a new era at Old Trafford (via TNT Sports):

"The key point is he knows the manager. I think for a transition into another league to go with somebody who knows your game perfectly and will be able to get the best out of you, he's proved he can do that. You're gonna go somewhere where he's rebuilding and you can be the start of that process."

Amorim ruled out signing any Sporting players in January after his appointment at United. Next summer looks the likeliest period for Gyokeres to leave given his club are chasing the Liga Portugal title.

Ruben Amorim needs more firepower at United

Amorim oversaw his first game as Manchester United's new head coach last weekend, a dull 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town. It was clear during that game at Portman Road that the Red Devils are in a rut in front of goal despite Marcus Rashford getting on the scoresheet.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee came on as subs but failed to impress and many United fans are crying out for a new striker. There is a feeling that neither of those two will be able to reach the prolific numbers required to fire Amorim's team back into top four contention or even a title race.