Sculptor versus sculpture – Amorim versus Gyokeres

A year ago in Porto, under the bright lights of an elegant awards gala, Viktor Gyokeres was asked a simple but inevitable question: what’s the secret behind his stunning rise?

The Swedish forward had just completed a record-breaking debut season with Sporting Lisbon, firing 29 goals and supplying nine assists to deliver the league title. He swept the votes to claim Player of the Year, and when the microphone came his way, Gyokeres grinned. The answer, in his eyes, was obvious. The answer was Ruben Amorim.

"The secret? I try to listen to the coach Ruben Amorim as much as possible!" Gyokores replied with a laugh.

Fast forward to this Sunday, the pair meet not as allies but opponents. Amorim, once the mentor, now in Manchester United’s dugout. Gyokeres, the apprentice, stepping into the Premier League spotlight with Arsenal. For months it seemed logical that United, who struggled for goals last season, would move for the striker who had thrived under Amorim’s guidance. After all, Gyokeres hit a staggering 66 goals in the 68 matches they shared together in Portugal.

But those inside Old Trafford insist there was never an approach. Amorim admired his former talisman, but United believed the striker’s heart was set on Arsenal. Arteta, after a single conversation, was convinced. To United’s hierarchy, it made no sense to lose a transfer race they were never truly running. Instead, they turned their focus — and 75 milion euros — toward RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Asked about Gyokeres this week, Amorim was typically guarded. In just 49 words he brushed off the subject:

"That is a question for Mikel Arteta," he said, before conceding, "Viktor is in a different league. Sporting have good scouting because they live from the players they can buy and sell to survive. I think he’s a very good player. It’s not a surprise to see him with a big club in England."

Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford promises a compelling subplot. Amorim, who shaped Gyokeres into one of Europe’s most feared strikers, now faces the daunting task of stopping him. Meanwhile, Gyokeres enters the pitch with intimate knowledge of his former coach’s methods — and a burning desire to prove himself in England’s top flight.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

Liverpool - Bournemouth 4-2 (1-0)

/Ekitike 37, Gakpo 49, Chiesa 88, Salah 90+4 - Semenyo 64,76/

Saturday

Aston Villa - Newcastle 0-0

Brighton - Fulham 1-1 (0-0)

/O'Riley 55 pen - Muniz 90+6/

Sunderland - West Ham 3-0 (0-0)

/Mayenda 61, Ballard 73, Isidor 90+2/

Tottenham - Burnley 3-0 (1-0)

/Richarlison 10,60 Johnson 66/

Wolverhampton - Manchester City 0-4 (0-2)

/Haaland 34,61 Reijnders 37, Cherki 81/

Sunday

16.00: (1.63) Chelsea (3.80) Crystal Palace (5.70)

16.00: (2.20) Nott.Forest (3.40) Brentford (3.30)

18.30: (3.60) Man.Utd. (3.50) Arsenal (2.15)

Monday

22.00: (2.50) Leeds (3.25) Everton (2.90)

***odds are subject to change***