How was the reunion between Gyökeres and Ruben Amorim?
The Premier League opener at Old Trafford delivered a highly anticipated reunion between Viktor Gyökeres and Ruben Amorim. The Swedish striker, now at Arsenal, faced his former Sporting coach for the first time but it was Amorim who left smiling after Manchester United’s 1-0 victory.
Amorim’s lighthearted comments before the clash
Ahead of the match, Amorim downplayed the emotional aspect of facing his ex-striker. “I think he’ll adapt very well to England. He’s a very good player, a very good guy. But he’s just another player. On Sunday, he’ll be on the other side. I just want to win our game,” the Portuguese manager said with a laugh.
Gyökeres neutralized by United’s defense
On the pitch, Gyökeres struggled to impose himself. Wearing Arsenal’s No. 14 shirt, the forward was effectively contained by United’s defensive block, rarely participating in attacking moves. He finished the game with just 22 touches, 11 losses of possession, and a modest 2 wins in 7 duels. Crucially, he failed to register a single shot on target and received the lowest rating among Arsenal’s starters.
Mixed reaction from Arsenal fans
Supporters voiced their frustration online, noting that Gyökeres looked far from the decisive striker who had dominated at Sporting. Many highlighted the difficulty of adapting quickly to the Premier League’s intensity, urging patience while others expressed concern about the £85 million signing.
Arsenal win despite striker’s poor showing
Despite the underwhelming debut, Arsenal still managed to leave Manchester with three points. A disciplined defensive setup and a solitary goal secured the Gunners’ 1-0 win, reinforcing their title ambitions right from the first round.
Different paths in England
Gyökeres, 26, will now aim to prove he can replicate the form that made him a star in Portugal, where he was the top scorer and driving force in Sporting’s title-winning season under Amorim. Meanwhile, the Portuguese coach is focused on consolidating Manchester United’s new project after a summer of heavy investment.
