🚨 BREAKING NEWS🚨 These were the words of legendary former England manager Fabio Capello, who believes Manchester United don’t need to pursue Viktor Gyökeres — insisting the club already has a striker superior to him if properly utilized. 😳🔥

🚨 BREAKING NEWS🚨

These were the words of legendary former England manager Fabio Capello, who believes Manchester United don’t need to pursue Viktor Gyökeres — insisting the club already has a striker superior to him if properly utilized. 😳🔥

 

 

In a statement that’s ignited both debate and disbelief, former England and AC Milan boss Fabio Capello has made a bold claim: Manchester United do not need to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres because they already possess a striker who is “superior”—if only the player were properly deployed. This declaration has left Manchester United fans divided, with many questioning both the identity of the unnamed “superior” striker and Capello’s judgment.

 

Given Capello’s legendary managerial résumé—which includes league titles in Italy and Spain, as well as international experience—his opinion carries weight. However, when it comes to the current situation at Old Trafford, many fans and pundits are struggling to reconcile his remarks with the club’s glaring attacking deficiencies.

 

Who is the “Superior Striker”?

 

Capello didn’t name the player he believes is better than Gyökeres, but speculation suggests he may be referring to Rasmus Højlund. The Danish forward, signed for £72 million last summer from Atalanta, showed promise in bursts during the 2023–24 season. He ended the Premier League campaign with 10 goals in 30 appearances—a respectable return for a 21-year-old in his debut season in English football. He also displayed moments of power, intelligent movement, and a poacher’s instinct.

 

If Højlund is indeed the striker Capello believes in, then the Italian’s comments may reflect a faith in player development and patience. “There is a striker already in the squad who, with the right support, can be better than Gyökeres,” Capello allegedly said in the interview. “He just needs the right system, the right service, and the confidence of his manager.”

 

That said, critics argue that Capello might be placing too much faith in potential over proven quality. Højlund is still raw and inconsistent. While there is excitement around his ceiling, relying on him as the main source of goals in a club the size of Manchester United may be risky business—especially after another trophyless and turbulent season.

 

Who is Viktor Gyökeres?

 

The Swedish forward has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers after a sensational season at Sporting CP. In the 2023–24 campaign, Gyökeres scored 29 goals and registered 10 assists in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. His blend of physical strength, relentless pressing, link-up play, and lethal finishing has caught the attention of several top clubs—including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain.

 

Gyökeres would bring something United has lacked for years: a consistent, aggressive No. 9 who can lead the line on his own, stretch defences, and contribute in build-up play. While the Portuguese league isn’t the Premier League, his performances in Europe and his adaptability suggest he’s ready for the next level.

 

At 26, Gyökeres is entering his prime, and many fans view him as the kind of forward United need to take the next step under Erik ten Hag—or whoever ends up managing the club next season, should changes occur at the helm.

 

Fan Reaction: Disbelief and Frustration

 

Capello’s comments quickly went viral, with fans pouring into social media platforms to express their disbelief. Here’s a sample of reactions:

 

> “Capello was a great manager in his time, but this is a ridiculous take. Gyökeres would walk into this United team.” – @RedDevilMatt

 

 

 

> “We’ve had to suffer through Martial injuries, Rashford false 9 experiments, and now we’re told not to sign a 30-goal striker because Højlund might become good in two years?” – @UTDGlobal

 

 

 

> “Capello is out of touch. Højlund is talented but can’t do it alone. Gyökeres would give us real depth and competition.” – @UnitedVoice

 

 

 

Still, not all fans disagree. Some saw Capello’s remarks as a call for patience:

 

> “Capello has a point. We don’t need to spend £80 million when we haven’t even given Højlund proper service yet. Build the midfield, give him chances.” – @DanTheRed

 

 

 

> “Capello isn’t saying Gyökeres is bad. He’s saying Højlund can be better if used right. And that’s true.” – @FaithInYouth

 

 

 

System Failure or Striker Issue?

 

A deeper issue here is that Manchester United’s attacking dysfunction isn’t solely about who plays up top. The midfield has often lacked creativity. The wide players, particularly Marcus Rashford and Antony, have struggled with consistency and decision-making. United rank among the lowest in the Premier League’s top half for key passes and big chances created.

 

Capello’s underlying point may be more about structure than personnel. United’s system, particularly under Erik ten Hag, has been inconsistent. Injuries and tactical confusion have made it hard for any striker to flourish. Højlund’s goal droughts were often due not to poor finishing, but to a lack of service.

 

Could Capello be right, then, that a better structure would unlock the talent already in the squad? Possibly. But critics argue that relying on maybes and hypothetical improvements could waste another season for a club desperate to re-establish itself at the top.

 

The Bigger Picture: Recruitment at United

 

Capello’s comments also touch on the broader challenge facing Manchester United’s new sporting leadership, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. The club is undergoing a structural overhaul, with a focus on data-led recruitment and a more coherent footballing philosophy. The question they must ask isn’t just “Is Gyökeres good?” but “Is he the right player at the right price, given what we already have?”

 

There are also other striker options reportedly on the club’s radar—like Joshua Zirkzee, Benjamin Šeško (who has now committed to RB Leipzig for another season), and even Ivan Toney. The market is competitive and expensive, and the margin for error is small.

 

Final Thoughts: A Risky Gamble?

 

Capello’s statement is bound to spark more conversation in the coming weeks as the summer transfer window heats up. While his faith in United’s existing players is admirable—and perhaps even motivational—many fans and analysts remain unconvinced.

 

Gyökeres may not be a Ballon d’Or contender yet, but his stats, style, and trajectory suggest he’s exactly the kind of aggressive, modern No. 9 United need. Betting everything on Højlund or another “in-house solution” could be a noble idea—or a costly mistake.

 

What’s clear is this: if United go into the 2025–26 season without upgrading their frontline and struggle again to score goals, Capello’s words will be remembered—not as wise counsel, but as a warning unheeded.

 

 

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