United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United’s striking woes could come to an end this summer. The club is pursuing Viktor Gyokeres and has joined the race for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, according to Florian Plettenberg. So, which of these two talented frontmen is the better fit for Manchester United?

Viktor Gyokeres – The Proven Product

Gyokeres knows Amorim’s system. The Swedish international thrived in a 3-4-3 setup at Sporting, operating as a traditional No. 9 in a team that pressed high, controlled possession, and built through structured phases. His role was clear: be the focal point. He is a physical presence who led Sporting’s line with power, held up the ball, pressed relentlessly, and finished chances with clinical efficiency.

What separates Gyokeres from other available strikers is his ability to combine strength with deceptive agility. He times his runs with precision, attacks space behind defenses, and scores with both feet and his head. He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 39 goals in the league alone, a goal every 76 minutes, and added another 15 across the Champions League and domestic cups.

Gyokeres is built for Amorim’s United. He excels in pressing from the front, linking with midfielders through lay-offs, and serving as a reliable out-ball when under pressure. He is not only battle-tested in the system Amorim wants to implement but also proven under the exact tactical structure that United has adopted. His hold-up play, physicality, and high work rate make him an immediate upgrade and an elite-level performer for a club in urgent need of firepower.

Also Read: Ruben Amorim’s Dream Lineup for the 2025/2026 Season

Hugo Ekitiké – The Rising Star

Ekitike’s story is different. After an underwhelming spell at PSG, he moved to Frankfurt and flourished. His 15 goals and 8 assists in the Bundesliga made him one of the most productive young forwards in Germany. He added seven more goal contributions in European and cup competitions, showing that he can perform in different competitions.

But Ekitike’s profile is more fluid than Gyokeres’. He’s not a pure target man. Instead, he thrives on movement, drifting into wide channels, combining with teammates, and using his pace and skill to open up defenses. The Frenchman creates as much as he finishes, as only two forwards in the Bundesliga created more chances from open play than Ekitike last season.

Ekitike is also a strong presser and has a nose for transition moments. His speed and mobility make him lethal on the counter, and he frequently initiated or finished Frankfurt’s high-pressing sequences. However, he is still developing as a finisher. Despite leading the Bundesliga in expected goals (xG), he converted chances at a modest rate, a sign that his output could be even greater if he sharpens his composure.

Tactically, Ekitike would offer Amorim versatility. He could start as a central striker in a fluid front three, rotate to the flanks, or even operate as a second forward behind a more physical No. 9. He’s adaptable and creative, but he’s not the plug-and-play solution that Gyokeres represents.

The Verdict

While both players bring quality, the choice depends on Amorim’s priorities. If United wants an immediate fix, Viktor Gyökeres is the obvious choice. His numbers speak for themselves, and his style is tailor-made for Amorim’s high-pressing, structured 3-4-3.

Ekitike, meanwhile, is an excellent long-term prospect. His combination of pace, flair, and creativity would make him a valuable second option or a complementary piece in a multi-striker setup. But he is still growing into his role as a primary goal threat.

United cannot afford to bring in another young striker and wait for the moment that everything clicks. The club has tried that with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the last two seasons. Now is the time to bring in Viktor Gyokeres and allow him to redefine Manchester United’s attack, alongside new signing Matheus Cunha.