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      What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES is one of the hottest strikers in the world at the moment.The Sporting striker has been banging them in for fun since he swapped Coventry for Lisbon in 2023.Viktor Gyokeres has been touted for a return to EnglandCredit: GettyGyokeres’ eye-catching performances in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League have caught the attention of many top sides around Europe.Most notably, Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the Swede.The Red Devils will be seen as the clear favourite to land Gyokeres, with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim taking the reins at Old Trafford from November 11.Recent reports state that Sporting are willing to accept a cut fee of £63million for the Swede, which is £20m less than his release clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould the inform striker make a stunning return to England, fans will need to get to know his iconic goal celebration.What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?When Gyokeres celebrates a goal, he locks his fingers together on both hands and covers his mouth and nose to create a mask.The reason behind the striker’s unique celebration was completely unknown until he shared a highlights reel of his goals from the 2023/24 season on Instagram, which included the caption: “Nobody cared until I put on the mask.”The line is a slight misquote from the iconic Batman film The Darts Knight Rises when the villain Bane says: “It doesn’t matter who we are, what matters is our plan. No one cared who I was till I put on the mask.”Most read in FootballGyokeres is still yet to confirm that Bane is the sole inspiration behind his signature celebration, but the caption certainly hints that it could be a nod to the supervillain.Gyokeres has hinted that Batman villain Bane is the reason behind his iconic celebrationCredit: AP:Associated PressThe forward’s former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles suggested it was a reference to film character Hannibal Lecter.However, Gyokeres revealed that the theory was incorrect.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses… There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

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      Inside Viktor Gyokeres’ glamorous life, from dating fellow footballer and actress to luxury holidays around world

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES loves a holiday almost as much as he loves scoring goals.The Sporting striker, 26, has gone from Championship striker to one of the world’s best in a whirlwind year.Viktor Gyokeres is living his best life on and off the pitchCredit: GettyThe striker makes sure to soak up plenty of sunrays at any opportunityCredit: InstagramAnd his start to the 2024-25 season saw the Swedish star bang in a whopping 23 goals in his first 17 games.That included three hat-tricks – with four against Estrela Amadora backed up with his emphatic treble past Manchester City four days later.His third goal on the night, his second from the penalty spot, wrapped up a memorable 4-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s side in Ruben Amorim’s final home game in charge of Sporting.And it was even more special for Gyokeres – because his glamorous girlfriend was in the stands to cheer him on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLACTING UPEx-Brighton flop Gyokeres swapped Coventry for Lisbon in 2023 when he completed a club-record £16million transfer.And within a few months, he had seemingly found love.By early 2024, rumours started swirling around that he had started dating famous Portuguese actress Ines Aguiar.The brunette, two months younger than Gyokeres, has appeared in various TV shows over the years and even has a twin sister Joana who is also a star on screen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGyokeres and Aguiar had kept their relationship under wraps but were spotted together at an airport in April, when the footballer allegedly came to pick her up.However, she broke their cover on the famous night in November when she posted a video on her Instagram story to her 164,000 followers of her man firing home his spot-kick in the Champions League.Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres Gyokeres is dating Portuguese actress Ines AguiarCredit: InstagramThe couple kept their relationship under wraps for monthsCredit: InstagramAguiar posted a video on Instagram of Gyokeres scoringCredit: Instagram @inesvarzeaaguiarPREVIOUS STRIKE PARTNERBefore getting together with Aguiar, Gyokeres previously dated a fellow footballer.He was with Amanda Nilden as the pair started out their professional careers in their homeland of Sweden.And when Gyokeres signed for Brighton in January 2018, Nilden also made the transfer to England’s south coast as she joined the women’s team.However, two years later, Nilden – ironically born five days before Aguiar – left Sussex for Eskilstuna United back in Sweden.In 2021, though, she headed to Italian giants Juventus and then in 2024 returned to England with Tottenham.Gyokeres used to date Amanda Nilde and they even moved to Brighton at the same timeCredit: @bpfotbollThe pair are both from Sweden and became professional footballersCredit: InstagramNilden is now playing for Tottenham in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: RexThat came after a stint in Italy with JuventusCredit: InstagramGYOK THE JET-SETTERGyokeres has already played in Sweden, England, Germany, Wales and Portugal during his footballing career.But he can tick plenty more countries off his checklist thanks to his plethora of luxury holidays.The forward regularly takes to Instagram to give his fans a glimpse at all his downtime trips.He headed to Mykonos with his friends in the summer of 2023 but tends to keep the location of his vacations secret.Although for one stunning snap of him topless posing in the sea in his swimming trunks and sunglasses, Gyokeres hilariously tagged the location as Solihull in the West Midlands.But in the background is a Rixos Hotel – with the upmarket chain only found in Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Montenegro and Mexico.Gyokeres regularly posts snaps from his holidaysCredit: InstagramHe hilariously tagged this stunning photo as in SolihullCredit: InstagramThe footballer enjoyed a boys’ trip to Mykonos in the summer of 2024Credit: InstagramGyokeres posted this idyllic photo from another vacationCredit: InstagramFRIENDS AND FAMILY MANAs mentioned, Gyokeres tries to spend as much time with his friends as possible.He came through the same IF Brommapojkarna youth academy as Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski but is particularly close with Isac Lidberg – another Swedish forward.The pair were team-mates in the Sweden youth set-up, with Lidberg now playing his club football in Germany with Darmstadt 98.But Gyokeres – the long-term national team successor to Zlatan Ibrahimovic – also heads back to Sweden whenever he can, including his hometown Stockholm.He has a special bond with his father Stefan who worked as a youth-team coach when Gyokeres was younger and learning his trade as a junior footballer.Gyokeres came through at Aspudden-Tellus before breaking through at BrommapojkarnaCredit: Aspudden-TellusViktor is very close with his dad and mentor Stefan GyokeresHe enjoys catching up with friends over dinner in LisbonCredit: InstagramThe striker heads back to Stockholm whenever he canCredit: InstagramSECRET CELEBRATIONWhile Gyokeres’ cover may have been blown over his relationship with Aguiar, he remains coy over his trademark celebration.After hitting the net time and time again, the goal machine covers his mouth with both hands interlocking.Former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles appeared to expose the meaning, suggesting it was a reference to film character Hannibal Lecter.However, Gyokeres revealed that theory was incorrect.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses… There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.”Other suggestions include a nod to comic character Bane, especially because he has quoted the masked DC superhero.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Gyokeres is yet to go public with the real explanation.And he may well do so when playing in the Premier League – with Amorim potentially going to lure his star man with him to Old Trafford once he has taken over as Manchester United boss.Gyokeres celebrates with this trademark move – but has kept the meaning a secretCredit: GettyHe denied it has anything to do with Hannibal LecterCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left worried after Ruben Amorim’s latest comments.The incoming Red Devils boss won his final home game in charge of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon impressed in their 4-1 win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag often claimed that Manchester United could not play like his Ajax sideCredit: AlamyThe Portuguese side outclassed Manchester City in Lisbon as they romped to a 4-1 victory. A hat-trick from Viktor Gyokeres and a strike from Maximiliano Araujo saw the hosts bounce back from an early Phil Foden goal.The result buoyed Manchester United supporters who are increasingly excited over Amorim’s arrival.However, the manager warned fans not to expect the same style of football at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “What I can tell you is that this doesn’t mean anything in particular – don’t take anything from this.”We cannot transport one reality to another.”Manchester United cannot play the way we play, and we will have to adapt.”Amorim’s comments mirrored those of Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman was hailed for his style while he was leading Ajax, which saw the club reach a Champions League semi-final.And fans flocked to social media to beg Amorim not to fall into the same trap as his predecessor.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.One posted: “Bro no please not you as well.”A second wrote: “Erik said this and got cooked for it.”A third commented: “Oh no. Please don’t be like Erik.”A fourth said: “Jesus Christ not again.”A fifth declared: “Please not again… dealt with three years of Ten Hag ‘We cannot play this way’.”Another added: “That’s what Ten Hag said about Ajax.”In 2023, Ten Hag admitted that Man United would never play the same style as his Ajax side.He said: “Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players.”This is also not why I came here. We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe home crowd unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick-off.After the victory over City, Amorim was given a guard of honour by his players and staff.What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Ruben Amorim reveals when Viktor Gyokeres will leave Sporting Lisbon as new Man Utd boss drops major transfer update

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      NEW Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has dropped a major hint about Viktor Gyokeres’ future at Sporting Lisbon.Reports have suggested that the former Championship star, now one of the most-sought after strikers in Europe, could follow Amorim to Old Trafford.Viktor Gyokeres continued his fine goalscoring streak in Sporting’s 4-1 win over Man CityRuben Amorim then dropped a hint over the Swedish international’s future at the clubThe Swedish forward, 26, scored a second half hat-trick as Sporting thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, as Erling Haaland, who missed a penalty at 3-1, had to settle for second place in the battle of the strikers.It brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Amorim, 39, is set to bring most of his young coaching staff when he starts life at Carrington on November 11.But with United in dire need of a 25-plus goalscoring striker, it remains to be seen whether Gyokeres will come along too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Amorim has broken his silence on the matter and revealed that he expects Gyokeres to leave Sporting in the near future.He told Portuguese outlet A Bola: “If I start joking about this Gyokeres situation I’ll get in trouble.”This is my city, this is my country, so I’ll respect it. “Viktor has to stay until the end of the season and then his life will probably go somewhere else.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThough a January move appears to be off the table, Amorim appeared to hint that he could launch a summer move for Gyokeres.Earlier in the night, United legend Rio Ferdinand tipped Gyokeres to follow Amorim to United.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City United don’t want to get into the territory of bringing in a mass influx of players from a new manager’s former club, after the chaos caused by signing six former Ajax players who starred under Erik ten Hag in Holland. Ferdinand said: “The recruitment teams in all the clubs in the Prem must be scratching their heads about how they let him get away.”He hasn’t had a conventional route, his route to the top hasn’t been straightforward.”He has had a journey where he has had to build himself and create what he is now.”Gyokeres has an £85million release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2028.But according to Sky Germany, that will be reduced at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sweden international’s market value is steadily increasing, with it thought to be around £70million.Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the other clubs interested.Gyokeres scored 38 goals in 91 appearances for Coventry More

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      How key Man Utd figure let Viktor Gyokeres go for just £1m before Sporting star became Europe’s most in-demand striker

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES has gone from an unwanted £1million man to the most sought-after striker in European football.The Swedish forward, 26, scored a hat-trick as Sporting Lisbon thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League.Viktor Gyokeres has already scored 23 goals this seasonCredit: AlamyIt brings his goal tally to 23 in 17 games for the season and 66 in 67 since arriving in Portugal from Coventry for around £20million last year.Gyokeres’ Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is preparing to leave for Manchester United after being announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Amorim, 39, will begin his reign at Old Trafford on November 11 – with Gyokeres being heavily linked with joining him in Manchester.But it was a Man Utd chief who was a key figure in selling the striker for just £1m three years ago.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDan Ashworth, now the Red Devils’ sporting director, sanctioned a deal for Gyokeres to leave Brighton and join Coventry for the tiny sum back in 2021.He played just eight games for the Seagulls and scored only one goal.After a loan spell with Coventry, Gyokeres joined them permanently for the seven-figure fee and went on to score 40 times in 97 games.His goals fired the Championship side to the play-off final which they lost to Luton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his impressive form attracted interest from Sporting – who have now seen him become one of the best attackers in Europe.It is estimated Man Utd will have to pay in the region of £85m if they are to bring him to Old Trafford.Watch Ruben Amorim celebrate with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accidentAnd Amorim has already ruled out a move for him in the January window.He said: “Gyokeres is a Sporting player, which is a great club, he did a lot for it, he was in the second division.”He just has to stay and finish the season at Marques.”Meanwhile, Gyokeres also recently responded to being linked with Man Utd.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Man Utd post Ruben Amorim announcement after Sporting hammer Man City as Red Devils hailed for ‘incredible s***housery’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were hailed for “incredible s***housery” after a social media post following Manchester City’s Champions League defeat.The Citizens were humbled 4-1 in Portugal by Sporting Lisbon as Pep Guardiola was outdone by Ruben Amorim.Ruben Amorim will join Man United as manager later this monthCredit: EPAThe club reshared their announcement of Amorim after he beat Man CityThe Sporting boss will take charge of Man City’s cross-city rivals Man United on November 11.The Red Devils posted an announcement of the Portuguese coach on November 1 at 12pm.However, after Man City’s loss, the club’s social media account reposted the announcement to rub salt in the wounds of their rivals.This led to fans praising the club for its “s***housery” as they reacted.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne posted: “Excellent s***housery from the Man United admin.”A second commented: “The United account retweeting this back on the timeline LMAOOOO.”A third wrote: “Hahaha Man United reposted it after last night’s game.”A fourth said: “Give the admin a raise.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Just sensational s***housery from Manchester United right here haha.”The home crowd unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick-off.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter Phil Foden had given the visitors an early lead in the match before it all went wrong.Viktor Gyokeres fired in his first of the night to level the match in the 38th minute.Maximiliano Araujo then powered Sporting into the lead just 40 seconds after the halftime break.Gyokeres then netted penalties either side of an Erling Haaland failure from the spot to wrap up the result.After the result, Amorim was given a guard of honour by his players and staff.It was his last home game in charge of the club before he leaves for Manchester.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Watch Ruben Amorim say farewell with guard of honour as Sporting Lisbon boss narrowly avoids nasty bumps accident

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      IN-BOUND Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim was given a heroes send-off in his last game in charge of Sporting Lisbon.The 39-year-old starts life in Old Trafford next week after replacing Erik ten Hag. Ruben Amorim was given a heroes send-off by the Sporting Lisbon playersCredit: GettyAmorim was given an enthusiastic farewell as he heads off to Man UtdCredit: GettyThe players almost lost control of Amorim as he flew in the airAmorim did a lap of honour to wave to fans after victory over Man CityCredit: EPAAmorim ended City’s winning streak in EuropeCredit: EPABut before he could say goodbye, he had to lead Sporting out one more time against United’s rivals City at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. The home crowed unveiled a banner to commemorate Amorim and the two league titles he won in Lisbon before kick off.And despite Phil Foden’s opener on four minutes, Sporting hit back to send Amorim off with a 4-1 victory. Star striker Viktor Gyokeres got a hat-trick amid rumours it may not be the last time he lines up under Amorim. READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Amorim – who spent four years in Lisbon – was given a guard of honour and some celebratory bumps after the match. But the farewell was so jubilant that he nearly came crashing down after being tossed in the air. Gyokeres, 26, has become instantly linked with a move to United and the forward paid respect to his departing manager following victory over City. He said: “We will miss him a lot. We’ve done amazing things together. We will miss him and the other guys in the staff who will leave. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We have to look forward and attack the next challenge ahead of us.”Amorim also ended City’s 26-game unbeaten run in the Champions League as a parting gift to Sporting.It made for the perfect send-off for Amorim, who will officially start work at United next week.Amorim, who also took a long lap of honour after the game, said: “Those who were here and have seen Sporting over the last four years deserved a night like this. It was very special.Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd “But we shouldn’t stop here, it shouldn’t be a one-off. “It was special in the circumstances but we have to think about the next match against Braga.”Perhaps it was written in the stars we should end this way. I will keep these memories forever but I cannot enjoy them fully yet.”Ahead of kick-off the Sporting fans unfurled an enormous banner to give him a memorable send-off.Sporting fans unfurled an incredible bannerCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, accepted the adulation of the fansCredit: GettyThe banner read ‘Obrigado’ – meaning thank you in PortugueseCredit: EPAIt featured an illustration of Amorim with his arms folded, as well as the five trophies he won as Sporting boss.The banner read “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you”.Amorim joined Sporting as boss in 2020 following a season at Braga.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs their boss he won two league titles, two domestic cups and one Super Cup.He will take charge of his final game in charge away to his former side Braga on Sunday.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Sporting wonderkid, 17, shows how Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution could work as Gyokeres hits hat-trick against City

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      RUBEN AMORIM gave Manchester United fans a tantalising glimpse into the future as his Sporting side thrashed City 4-1 in the Champions League.The occasion began in a raucous atmosphere, with Sporting fans waving goodbye to their beloved Man Utd-bound manager in what was his final home game in charge.Ruben Amorim gave Man Utd fans a thrilling glimpse into the futureCredit: ReutersViktor Gyokeres bagged his latest hat-trickCredit: AFPGeovany Quenda was brilliant down Sporting’s right flankCredit: GettyThe home faithful unfurled a huge banner reading “Obrigado” – Portuguese for “thank you” – ahead of kick-off.And after tonight’s performance, it’s easy to see how Amorim left such a mark.Sporting actually got off to a ropey start, with Phil Foden giving City a fourth-minute lead.The side Amorim has built in Lisbon is resilient, however, and after weathering City’s storm they came roaring back to win 4-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLViktor Gyokeres grabbed the headlines by scoring a stunning hat-trick – taking his season tally to an astonishing 23 goals in just 17 games.The Swede’s numbers would make United’s current forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund blush.But how has Amorim given the former Brighton and Coventry star such a platform on which to shine?The 39-year-old has generally favoured a 3-4-3 formation with Sporting, although tonight’s average positions show that his system turned into more of a 3-5-2, or even 3-4-1-1 – with Francisco Trincao, formerly of Wolves and Barcelona, playing off Gyokeres.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Amorim will be able to introduce his three-at-the-back system into the Premier League will be fascinating.After Antonio Conte’s Chelsea won the Premier League in swashbuckling style using a back three in 2017, the system suddenly became all the rage.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyEven Arsene Wenger, after more than 20 years of deploying a back four at Arsenal, dabbled with it during his final season at the Emirates.These days, however, back threes have become more scarce.In fact, none of last season’s top 13 used it as their primary formation.Despite Sporting’s left wing-back Maxi Araujo grabbing a goal on the night, it was actually right wing-back Geovany Quenda who consistently got further forward.TEENAGE SENSATIONThe Guinea-Bissau-born wonderkid is just 17-years-old but has already made himself a regular in Sporting’s first team.As a left-footer playing on the right, Quenda cut inside to great effect as he created Sporting’s equaliser.His brilliant through-ball found Gyokeres who, having fluffed an earlier one-on-one, made no mistake when through on Ederson’s goal for a second time.This sort of chance was typical of the service Gyokeres received all night, with Sporting consistently forcing turnovers with their solid base.BUILDING A PLATFORMIrrespective of conceding a harsh penalty in the second-half, which Erling Haaland went on to miss anyway, 20-year-old centre-back Ousmane Diomande was impressive at the heart of Sporting’s defence.While midfielders Hidemasa Morita and Morten Hjulmand offered excellent protection and were rarely far from the scene when Sporting’s back line needed help.As soon as Sporting won the ball back, Gyokeres would be sent on his way.It was Araujo’s turn to cause havoc from the left wing-back position right at the start of the second period, the Uruguayan converting beyond Ederson after a brilliant run by Pedro Goncalves.Gyokeres then showed coolness to convert two penalties and complete his hat-trick.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim will have another crack at Pep Guardiola in April, as United host City at Old Trafford in the Portuguese’s first Manchester derby.When he begins work at Carrington on Monday, United’s new boss will seek to begin developing a Red Devils team that can emulate what Sporting did to City tonight. More