THE SHARPE END: Ruben Amorim's Sporting obliterate Erik ten Hag's Man United in terms of stats… but can new boss replicate success at Old Trafford without a striker like Viktor Gyokeres?

Ruben Amorim has enjoyed plenty of success at Sporting since March 2020
But he will leave on November 11 to succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday

By James Sharpe

Ruben Amorim will need to work miracles to turn Manchester United into his free-flowing Sporting Lisbon side.

But even the journey to get there should be more entertaining than watching them under Erik ten Hag.

Since the start of last season, Amorim’s Sporting have enjoyed more of the ball than United.

Sporting have played more passes, played them more accurately, had more shots, faced far fewer, created better quality chances and conceded fewer.

Their three-at-the-back system is great to watch but can he get United’s lot to play it?

Manager Ruben Amorim, 39, is set to join Manchester United from Sporting on November 11

He will replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday after two and a half seasons in the job

Viktor is top of the charts

Signing a striker as prolific as Viktor Gyokeres would certainly help Amorim to transform United.

The 26-year-old has scored 18 goals in 13 games, including FOUR against Estrela on Friday.

He’s only failed to score in two games this season.

Viktor Gyokeres has hit 18 goals in 13 games for Sporting this season, including three on Friday