Man Utd urged to focus on proven striker with 372 goals ahead of Gyokeres

Manchester United have been advised to steer clear of a blockbuster move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and instead pursue Harry Kane.

The Bayern Munich forward has been labelled the “game-changing” signing Rúben Amorim needs to transform the Red Devils’ fortunes.

Former United striker Teddy Sheringham has weighed in on the club’s ongoing search for a lethal No. 9, urging Amorim to prioritise a proven Premier League goalscorer over the in-demand Swedish sensation.

Gyokeres, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since Amorim swapped Sporting for United in November 2024. The Sweden international’s staggering record of 83 goals in 91 appearances for the Portuguese champions—including 40 goals in 41 games this season—has made him one of Europe’s hottest properties.

With a reported transfer fee of €65m-€75m (£54.5m-£62.9m) agreed with Sporting for the summer window, United have been seen as frontrunners to reunite the striker with his former coach, under whom he thrived in Lisbon.

However, Sheringham, who scored 46 goals in 153 appearances for United between 1997 and 2001, believes Gyokeres isn’t the answer—pointing to his age and lack of top-tier experience as reasons to look elsewhere.

“Viktor Gyokeres is a good player, no doubt, and he’s tearing it up in Portugal,” Sheringham told TEAMtalk. “But at 27 by the summer, he’s not the long-term investment United need right now. They’ve got young lads like Højlund and Zirkzee who can grow into that role.

"What they need is someone proven, someone who can come in and change games immediately—Harry Kane fits that bill perfectly.”

Kane, now 31, has an astonishing career tally of 372 goals in 616 club appearances, including 44 in 45 games for Bayern Munich last season and a strong start to the current campaign.

Despite his success in Germany since leaving Tottenham in 2023, speculation has swirled about a potential Premier League return, with United frequently mentioned as a destination.

Sheringham argues that Kane’s experience, leadership, and clinical finishing would elevate Amorim’s side instantly, contrasting with Gyokeres’ untested credentials at the elite level.

“Harry’s been there and done it in the Premier League—260 goals in the competition, a World Cup Golden Boot, and he’s still at his peak,” Sheringham added. “United are crying out for a focal point up top. Højlund’s got potential, but he’s not ready to lead the line for a club chasing trophies.

"Kane’s the kind of signing that says United mean business again. Gyokeres might be a risk worth taking for some clubs, but not for United right now.”

United’s attacking struggles this season have been stark, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee combining for just 14 goals in 83 appearances, a return that has left the Red Devils languishing in 13th in the Premier League.

Amorim has made no secret of his desire to bolster his forward line, but financial constraints and INEOS’ preference for younger signings could complicate a move for Kane, whose Bayern contract runs until 2027.

A transfer fee upwards of £80m would likely be required, dwarfing the cost of Gyokeres.

Despite Sheringham’s endorsement, Kane has expressed contentment at Bayern, where he’s chasing Bundesliga and Champions League glory. Meanwhile, Gyokeres’ camp has remained coy, with the striker himself saying earlier this month, “I’m happy at Sporting, but we’ll see what happens in the summer.”

United face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest for Gyokeres, while Kane’s availability remains uncertain.