Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim. (Image: Getty)
has already broken one of his first promises as head coach after reportedly sanctioning a scouting trip to Sporting’s clash against . On Tuesday, the Gunners romped to a stunning 5-1 victory against Sporting at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Amorim’s absence was felt in the stands and on the pitch as the Portuguese champions’ players appeared even less motivated than their supporters.
However, while the 39-year-old potentially watched from Manchester, United did reportedly have a presence in Lisbon.
According to the , United scouts travelled to Jose Alvalade for the game to watch Viktor Gyokeres in action.
The 26-year-old – who has established himself as one of the world’s most lethal strikers at Sporting – endured a quiet night.
However, after scoring 67 goals in 70 appearances since his switch from Coventry City last summer, Gyokeres is believed to be high on Amorim’s transfer wishlist at Old Trafford.
The report added that Geovany Quenda and Pedro Goncalves are also on the former boss’ radar, and both would’ve also been monitored by the club’s scouts on Tuesday.
As he bid farewell to Sporting earlier this month, Amorim stressed that he wouldn’t immediately target his former players.
“I will not sign any Sporting player at Man United in January,” the outgoing boss claimed before admitting the door was open for summer pursuits.
Man Utd are monitoring Viktor Gyokeres. (Image: Getty)
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He added: “Then, what happens in the summer, I don’t know. Sporting players are good players. We will see what happens…
“I won’t be signing [Sporting players] in January, that’s what I said. I don’t know about the summer.
“The main thing is to hold on until the summer [laughs]. After that, we’ll see, Sporting’s players are very good players. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Amorim has made no secret about his admiration for several of his former players, including Gyokeres and Goncalves.
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And Tuesday’s reported scouting mission makes it clear that he is preparing a raid of his ex-workplace when the opportunity arises.
That said, United will be wary of allowing Amorim to focus his early transfer activity on Sporting stars after the mixed success of ‘s Ajax/Dutch Eredivisie-centric strategy.
A new left-wing-back, central midfielder and striker are expected to be near the top of the Red Devils’ recruitment priorities next year.
However, amid limitations imposed by the and UEFA’s financial regulations, Amorim’s immediate task is improving the players already at his disposal.