Fabio Capello Unbothered by Manchester United’s Struggles to Land Gyökeres, Sees Superior Options Already at the Club
Fabio Capello has made it clear that he isn’t concerned about Manchester United’s inability to sign Viktor Gyökeres, insisting that the club may already have better options within their existing squad.
Despite United’s ongoing search for a reliable centre-forward following Rasmus Højlund’s inconsistent season, Capello believes that the solution to their striking issues might not require another major signing.
Rasmus Højlund, while showing glimpses of promise during his first year at United, often struggled for consistency in front of goal.
This inconsistency led the club to explore alternatives to strengthen their attacking line. Recently, Manchester United have brought in Matheus Cunha and are reportedly close to finalizing a move for Bryan Mbeumo, yet critics still argue that the squad lacks a true, consistent goal-scoring centre-forward.
United had intensified their interest in Viktor Gyökeres, who enjoyed an outstanding season at Sporting CP, scoring an impressive 43 goals across all competitions.
However, negotiations have stalled due to Sporting’s firm demand for over €70 million and complications with the player’s representation.
Furthermore, recent rumors have surfaced that Gyökeres might actually favor a move to Arsenal, adding another layer of difficulty to United’s pursuit.
Despite these developments, Capello remains unfazed. In a column for La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Juve FC), the former Real Madrid and England manager voiced his preference for Joshua Zirkzee over Gyökeres.
Capello argued that Zirkzee would be a more sensible option, citing his performances in Serie A with Bologna, where he was instrumental in helping the club secure a Champions League place.
Capello highlighted several advantages Zirkzee holds: he is younger at 23, has proven himself in a top European league, and would cost less than Gyökeres.
Capello’s assessment of Zirkzee focuses on the Dutchman’s versatility.
Unlike Gyökeres, who plays as a more traditional goal poacher, Zirkzee often drops deep to link play and contribute to the team’s overall build-up, adding a layer of tactical flexibility.
This versatility could make him a better fit for modern systems, particularly one being developed under new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.
Currently, United’s forward line features a mix of profiles: Rasmus Højlund (21), who is a quick, powerful striker; Matheus Cunha (25), who brings creativity and dribbling ability; and potentially Zirkzee (23), who offers technical proficiency and the ability to operate in a false nine role.
In contrast, Gyökeres (27) is primarily known for his goal-scoring instincts but has yet to prove himself in elite European leagues such as the Premier League or Serie A.
Capello’s comments reflect not only a difference in player profiles but also a strategic approach to squad building.
He points out that Gyökeres, while prolific in Portugal, hasn’t faced the same level of defensive quality that Zirkzee has regularly encountered in Italy.
This experience against stronger opposition makes Zirkzee a more reliable long-term investment in Capello’s view.
Under Amorim, Manchester United appear to be shaping an attack built around dynamic, versatile players who can press, combine, and interchange positions — rather than relying solely on a fixed penalty-box finisher.
With the addition of Cunha, the potential signing of Zirkzee, and interest in Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim seems intent on constructing a more fluid and adaptable forward line.
Ultimately, Capello’s opinion is not just about talent but also about value, system compatibility, and future development.
While Gyökeres remains a lethal finisher, Zirkzee’s style aligns more closely with Amorim’s tactical philosophy and the club’s broader vision for the years ahead.
Unless Sporting CP significantly reduce their asking price or Gyökeres himself pushes for a move, Capello suggests that Manchester United focusing their attention on Zirkzee may prove to be the wiser and more cost-effective decision.
