Manchester United is currently focused on strengthening its attacking options as the club grapples with a dismal scoring record this season, netting just 13 goals in 12 Premier League matches. To address this pressing need, new manager Ruben Amorim, who took over after an impressive tenure at Sporting CP, is reportedly zeroing in on two standout striker candidates: Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres. Amorim’s tactical approach prioritizes a seamless integration of players into his system, making Gyökeres, who excelled under him, a highly attractive option for the club. Meanwhile, Boniface’s impressive track record in one of Europe’s elite leagues lends credibility to the option of securing him as a long-term solution.
Viktor Gyökeres has enjoyed a stellar start since transferring to Sporting in the summer of 2023. The Swedish forward has recorded an impressive tally of 67 goals and 19 assists in just 70 appearances, effectively averaging nearly a goal per game. His exceptional performance last season saw him clinch the Golden Boot in Liga Portugal with 29 goals, while also contributing nine goals in the UEFA Nations League. Gyökeres’s natural ability to thrive in Amorim’s high-pressing, possession-oriented system reinforces his suitability for Manchester United. However, despite his remarkable statistics in Portugal, scrutiny surrounds his potential for translating that success to the English Premier League, a league renowned for its physical toughness and intricate tactical demands.
Conversely, Victor Boniface has also made significant strides in the Bundesliga since his move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. Under manager Xabi Alonso, Boniface has emerged as a vital component of the squad, amassing 29 goals and 11 assists in 49 appearances. His contributions have been pivotal in helping Leverkusen secure multiple titles, including the Bundesliga and German Cup, while maintaining their competitive standing this season. Boniface is recognized for his physicality, work ethic, and adaptability—all of which are crucial attributes for succeeding in the intense environment of Premier League football. However, he is currently sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained while on international duty, raising concerns regarding his durability. Additionally, his lack of success with Nigeria, failing to score in 11 appearances, has led to further doubts about his consistency on the international stage.
The financial implications of signing either striker could prove to be significant. Gyökeres, initially acquired by Sporting for €20 million, is now likely to command a fee close to €70 million. Boniface, on the other hand, may require an investment upward of €75 million, reflecting his performance and potential in a highly competitive league. Given Manchester United’s substantial spending over the past summer, the club may face constraints in executing transfers during the upcoming January window. This reality may prompt the management to consider postponing any potential moves until the summer transfer window when they could offload fringe players and raise essential funds to facilitate a deal for either striker.
In addition to Boniface and Gyökeres, Manchester United is also considering other potential forwards, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani. Despite Amorim’s connections to Gyökeres, he has publicly stated his intention not to pursue players from his former club during the January transfer window. This statement opens the door for Boniface, who has proven himself in a competitive environment and may represent a safer long-term option due to his adaptability and familiarity with the rigors of top-flight football.
As Manchester United heads into the second half of the season, the critical decision between Gyökeres and Boniface could have significant implications for the club’s future. Each striker brings a distinct skill set and advantages to the table, but the question remains whether the club will prioritize the familiarity and tactical compatibility of Gyökeres or the proven efficacy of Boniface in a prestigious league. One certainty is that the need for a reliable goalscorer has never been more pressing for United. The club’s hierarchy faces the challenge of making a deliberative and strategically sound choice to restore goal-scoring prowess to Old Trafford and rejuvenate its ambitions for the season ahead.
