Ruben Amorim has reportedly urged Manchester United executives to expedite a move for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres rather than waiting until the summer. Gyokeres, who has thrived under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, has emerged as a target for United amid the club’s ongoing struggles.

With potential departures of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window—Rashford seeking a new challenge and Zirkzee struggling to adapt—United’s need for reinforcements has become urgent. Despite Amorim’s earlier comments about not being able to improve his squad this winter, he has now communicated that signing Gyokeres this month is essential.

Gyokeres, 26, left Championship side Coventry City for £20 million after the club’s playoff defeat last year. However, a move to Old Trafford would require around £80 million due to a release clause in his contract.

United’s current situation necessitates offloading players before bringing in new talent. Besides strengthening their attacking options, they also need wing-backs to fit Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. Gyokeres has previously expressed his ambition to play in the Premier League, which adds to the speculation surrounding a potential transfer.

Amorim had initially downplayed the possibility of pursuing Gyokeres, but the urgency of United’s predicament may have led to a reevaluation of that stance. With the club’s top scorers this season being Bruno Fernandes and Rashford—who has not played since early December—United’s recent 2-0 defeat to Newcastle has left them precariously close to the relegation zone, sitting in 14th place.

Upcoming fixtures against league leaders Liverpool and an FA Cup clash with Arsenal will further test the team’s resolve as they navigate this challenging period.