Bunady
Manchester United have reportedly narrowed their search for a new striker to two key names; Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres. With the Red Devils struggling for goals this campaign, scoring just 13 times in 12 Premier League matches, new manager Ruben Amorim has made bolstering their attack a top priority....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
Amorim, who joined United after a successful spell with Sporting, is believed to favour players who can seamlessly integrate into his tactical setup.
This has placed Gyökeres, who thrived under Amorim at Sporting, high on the club’s wishlist. However, Boniface’s consistency in one of Europe’s top five leagues offers a compelling alternative as the club weighs their options for a long-term solution.
Since moving to Sporting in the summer of 2023, Gyökeres has been nothing short of spectacular. The Swedish international has scored an astonishing 67 goals and provided 19 assists in just 70 games, averaging nearly a goal per game.
His 29 goals in Liga Portugal last season earned him the league’s Golden Boot, while his nine strikes in the UEFA Nations League further cemented his reputation as a prolific finisher.
Gyökeres’s ability to flourish under Amorim’s high-pressing, possession-based style makes him a natural fit for the United boss. Having previously worked together, Amorim knows how to maximise Gyökeres’s strengths.
However, critics question whether Gyökeres can replicate his form in the Premier League, a league known for its physicality and tactical complexity. While his numbers in Portugal are impressive, adapting to the pace and intensity of English football could prove challenging.
On the other hand, Boniface’s rise in the Bundesliga has caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester United.
The Nigerian striker joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 and has been a revelation under manager Xabi Alonso. In 49 appearances, Boniface has scored 29 goals and provided 11 assists, helping Leverkusen claim the Bundesliga, the German Cup, the German Super Cup and maintain their position as title contenders this season.
Known for his physical presence, work rate, and versatility, Boniface’s style aligns with the demands of Premier League football.
Despite his undeniable talent, Boniface is currently sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during international duty with Nigeria, ruling him out until January 2025.
This injury, coupled with his underwhelming performances for the Super Eagles, where he is yet to score in 11 appearances, raises questions about his durability and consistency.
Both players would command significant transfer fees. Gyökeres, who moved to Sporting for €20m in 2023, is now valued considerably higher, with Sporting likely to demand a fee in the region of €70m. Meanwhile, Boniface, who has proven himself in a more competitive league, could cost upwards of €75m.
United’s financial constraints following their summer spending spree may limit their ability to make a January move for either player. Instead, the club may look to secure a deal for the summer transfer window, allowing time to offload fringe players and raise funds.
In addition to Boniface and Gyökeres, United are also monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.
Amorim’s connections to Sporting have made Gyökeres the sentimental favourite, but the Portuguese manager has publicly stated he does not intend to raid his former club in January. This leaves the door open for Boniface, whose Bundesliga experience and proven ability to adapt to top-flight football could make him the safer long-term bet.
As Manchester United prepare for the second half of the season, the decision to prioritise either Gyökeres or Boniface could shape the club’s fortunes. Both strikers offer unique qualities, but the question remains; will the Red Devils opt for the familiarity and tactical fit of Gyökeres or the proven big-league performance of Boniface?
The certainty though is United’s need for a reliable goalscorer has never been more urgent, and the club’s hierarchy must make a calculated decision to bring the goals back to Old Trafford.
