Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker looked likely to lead to Viktor Gyokeres for months prior to his Arsenal move.
It feels a long time ago that Manchester United had an interest in signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP and the tiring public spat between the Portuguese side and their player.
Gyokeres’ move to United was a non-starter, with the Swede demanding Champions League football from his next club, which Arsenal could offer but United couldn’t.
However, United are now pushing to sign Benjamin Sesko with the RB Leipzig striker target number one for the club heading into August.
Christopher Vivell says Sesko has high potential and has scored goals at a higher level than Gyokeres, meaning there is every chance that United walk away from the summer feeling much happier than Arsenal do.
Gyokeres’ abilities are not guaranteed to translate to English football, with the Swede relying on his physicality being better than some of the lower league Portuguese sides to bolster his goal record.
Now, after struggling on his Arsenal debut, Demetri Mitchell has given a verdict on Gyokeres.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesRasmus Hojlund backed to outscore Viktor Gyokeres
For whichever club signed Gyokeres this summer, there was going to be serious concerns around whether he would be able to handle the Premier League or not.
Rio Ferdinand didn’t want United signing Gyokeres, explaining that he will struggle to cope with Premier League defenders, but Arsenal decided to take the risk on signing him.
However, now former United academy graduate Demetri Mitchell has also predicted Gyokeres to struggle in England.
Taking to X, the Leyton Orient defender tweeted: “Gonna put it out there Hojlund will have a better season than Gyokeres.”
Gonna put it out there Hojlund will have a better season than Gyokeres
— Demetri Mitchell (@demetrimitche11) July 31, 2025
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Not done here, Mitchell then commented further: “He has to get off to a good start if he don’t score for a few he’s done for.”
While responding to clips of Hojlund’s debut for the Gunners’ Mitchell remarked on the size of the striker, which limits his mobility and is almost Romelu Lukaku-esque.
Hojlund has started well for United this summer, and looks to be brimming with confidence, albeit that could end up being from the bench if United sign Sesko.
Manchester United will be first to find out whether Viktor Gyokeres will fail
Gyokeres snubbed United in favour of Arsenal earlier this summer, which is likely to see the Swedish international on the receiving end of a hostile environment at Old Trafford in just over two weeks.
Ruben Amorim will know Gyokeres’ biggest flaws, and so if any opponent was going to make Gyokeres’ start to life at Arsenal tough, it will be United, which happens to be the opening day clash.
United will welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford, and very quickly it will be clear if Gyokeres is set to thrive in the Premier League.
Matthijs de Ligt could prove a tough opponent, while United have looked strong defensively during pre-season which could make for a frustrating day for Gyokeres.
In gameweek three, Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield which could be another tough day at the office for the Swede, especially if he fails to score against United or Leeds.