Gyokeres was on the top of the United hierarchy’s wish list as they tried to support Amorim with a known and established player. The 26-year-old striker was seen to be the perfect focal point for United’s offensive comeback when he burst onto the European scene with incredible back-to-back scoring seasons in Lisbon, hitting 43 goals in his debut season and an even more impressive 57 in his second.

Nevertheless, despite having multiple discussions with the player’s agents over the past week, United has failed to persuade Gyokeres or his team, according to Portuguese publication Record. Uncertainty about the club’s new sporting project under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s direction and concerns over United’s inability to qualify for the Champions League next season appear to have played a significant role in the decision to leave Old Trafford.