Manchester United host Arsenal in their first Premier League match of the campaign, but there will also be a reunion between Ruben Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres speaking about Arsenal in an interview
Viktor Gyokeres has spoken honestly about his decision to choose Arsenal over Manchester United
(Image: YouTube/Arsenal)
One of the key narratives of Manchester United's clash against Arsenal will be the reunion of Ruben Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres.
Together at Sporting Lisbon, the United boss and the Gunners' new centre-forward dominated Portuguese football and terrified numerous defences in Europe. After Gyokeres scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, Amorim's final home match in charge of Sporting, many thought the striker would eventually follow him to Old Trafford.
While United were linked with him, the Swede only had eyes for Mikel Arteta's side, despite Amorim occupying the dugout on the red side of Manchester. Ahead of their first meeting since Amorim departed the Portuguese champions, Manchester Evening News takes a look at their history since they parted ways.
Viktor Gyokeres' reason for Man United snub
Arsenal unveil new signing Viktor Gyokeres at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 27, 2025 in London Colney, England
Gyokeres only had eyes for Arsenal(Image: 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
United were prepared to challenge Arsenal for Gyokeres' signature, but the ex-Coventry City forward was only going to sign for the Gunners. He made his preference clear when asked about his decision shortly after the announcement.
He said: "There were other clubs, of course, but this wasn’t a hard choice. I chose Arsenal."
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The attacker also added: "When I was playing against Arsenal last season [in the Champions League], I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
"That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It's been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That's what it's all about. It's going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well."
'Upset' with Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 09, 2025 in Manchester, England
Gyokeres' agent was unhappy with Amorim(Image: 2025 Ben Roberts - Danehouse)
Reports from Portuguese outlet Record claimed Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, was left "hurt" by the United boss. As well as being the Arsenal hitman's agent, he is also a representative for ex-United defender Victor Lindelof.
After eight years at the club, the Red Devils chose not to give the ex-Benfica defender a new contract, resulting in him leaving as a free agent. It's understood Lindelof wanted to stay and fight for his place, but Amorim opted to part ways with the 31-year-old.
This decision reportedly left Cetinkaya "upset". At the time, it stated 'the door has been closed' for a potential move to Old Trafford for Gyokeres as a result of Lindelof's exit. It made little difference as it became evident the striker wanted Arsenal, and United had already ruled themselves out of a move for him before signing Benjamin Sesko.
True Feelings exposed
Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP, Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between Sporting CP and Atalanta at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 6, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal
Gyokeres has already revealed his honest thoughts on Amorim(Image: 2024 DeFodi Images)
Gyokeres began rebuilding his career at Coventry City, but it was under Amorim that he really took off and became a world-class forward. Despite his affection for the United boss, he admits he was left shocked by his departure.
He has previously said: "It was a shock. It’s never happened to me to see a manager leave in the middle of the season when everything was going well. It was surprising, but I totally understand his decision.”
Amorim also had some honest words for Gyokeres when he was asked about links to the forward in April. He appeared to suggest the forward would not have been interested in a move to United, unless they qualified for the Champions League.
The Red Devils' boss said: "I didn't talk to Viktor. But if a player only wants to join Manchester United to play Champions League then that player will not come to Manchester United. We want players who want to represent United and not players who wanna play only certain competitions."
Gyokeres' United admission
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Athletic Club at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2025 in London, England
Gyokeres' previous comments suggests what life may have been like for him at Old Trafford
For better or for worse, Amorim has painfully tried to impart his tactical philosophy on United. While there were times when it looked like the Portuguese boss was making life harder for himself by sticking to his 3-4-3 formation, Amorim refused to part with the playing style which brought him success at Sporting.
However, if one person profited and relished Amorim's tactics, it was Gyokeres. In the past, the forward admitted so himself in another previous interview.
He said: "We won two championships in a row, for the first time in 71 years. It’s an incredible achievement, and of course, Ruben Amorim played a big role in that. I can’t thank him enough. The style of play we had under his orders suited me perfectly.”
Had Gyokeres chosen United, the Swede's comments about his former manager's playing style suggest he would have been confident about becoming a success at Old Trafford.