Fabio Capello wouldn’t be worried about missing out on Viktor Gyokeres, as he believes Manchester United already have a more competent forward.
Following Rasmus Hojlund’s abysmal campaign, the Premier League giants have been searching the market for a new centre-forward capable of guaranteeing goals. However, they haven’t found any luck thus far on this particular front.
United managed to complete the signing of Matheus Cunha and have made significant progress in their attempts to lure Bryan Mbeumo, however, many believed that their new-look attacking department would remain incomplete without a proper new No.9.
Man United still searching for a new striker
In recent days, the Reds intensified their attempts to sign Gyokeres but encountered several hurdles, beginning with Sporting’s president who insisted that €70 million won’t be enough for him to sanction the Swede’s departure, which sparked a public spat with the player’s agent.
Moreover, it has been reported over the past 24 hours that the 27-year-old rejected Man Utd’s approach, instead giving his favour to Arsenal.
Nevertheless, Capello wouldn’t lose any sleep over Gyokeres, as he believes Joshua Zirkzee is a better overall striker who has already proved his worth in a major league.
This is the answer that the former England and Real Madrid manager delivered when asked if his old employers, Juventus, should pursue the free-scoring Sporting CP striker.
“I’d go straight to Joshua Zirkzee, who had shown some very classy plays in Serie A,” argued Capello in his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Juve FC).
“Zirkzee would also cost less than the Gyokeres who is being linked to Juve. The Swede may have been a goal machine at Sporting, but he’s 27 and has never succeeded in a top-level league like ours.”
This was a reference to Zirkzee’s time at Bologna, when his exploits helped the Emilian club secure a historic Champions League qualification.
Capello considers Zirkzee a better option than Gyokeres
Following his move to Manchester, the Dutchman endured a torrid first half of the season, culminating with an embarrassing early substitution against Newcastle.
| Stats in 24/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Viktor Gyokeres | 52 | 54 | 13 |
| Joshua Zirkzee | 49 | 7 | 3 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | 52 | 10 | 4 |
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old has come a long way since that incident and has now established himself as a fan favourite at Old Trafford.
While Gyokeres is a classic out-and-out striker, Zirkzee is an unconventional attacker who likes to roam all over the pitch and help his teammates in the buildup, so this may not exactly be a straightforward comparison.
Wilco should go and get Jonathan David on a FREE transfer and spend the 60/70m saved on getting Mbeumo deal over the line and bringing in Ederson for midfield.
Jonathan David will score plenty of goals in that front 3 of Cunha, Mbeumo, and David. With the supply coming from Amad, Fernandes, and Ederson we can get that top 4 place next season.
Makes sense! Sack all these so-called hacks and…
Absolutely right… Only get new keeper and CD. ..
Nice observation. Man Utd don’t need household name footballers for now. We need players who wants to build and explore their names with commitment and dedication
i totally agree with you,that’s what they should do
I kinda agree with capello, Zirkzee may not be the out and out 9 but his placement and positioning is magical especially if the supply from the 2 no 10 is regular and concise.
I’ve always said this about Man United, keep things simple in this transfer window since it’s still a process.
A front three of Cunha, David and Mbuemo would score lots of calls.
With more support from Dorgu, Fernandes, Ederson and Amad. Then United will be a force already.
Sell Hojlund, rotate Zirkzee and Obi when David isn’t available
Your actually making sense . With Joshua in front u can have him swap roles with Cunha as top 9 while in game causing problems for defense resulting to goals. And Cunha can actually fit into the no.9 role as well
Joshua zirkzee is a ball playing striker who can even switch roles with matheus Cunha,but Josh is very good and excellent in passing and gives calm and cool connections with other players
We don’t have to play cunha at 9 and not see his effective play… Let’s get a correct natural striker who can also play force 9 … Then the switching can workout
I think it’s a good idea to sign Gyokores, although Zirkzee can be able to play at the midfield, as he is good passer and even capable to help his teammates in protecting his goal post. For instance Zirkzee is just like Bruno Fernandes
To anyone able to communicate to Ruben Amorim pls send
Joshua zirkzee is a ball playing striker who can even switch roles with matheus Cunha,but Josh is very good and excellent in passing and gives calm and cool connections with other players
Let’s go united Joshua is a classic no 9 material
Since Man U Football Club is in financial crisis, they need to complete Mbeumo’s deal use Zirkzee upfront. With Cunha and Mbeumo in the team, Zirkzee will score more than 20 goals in the league.