Liverpool have had their fair share of fun watching Manchester United struggle this season with the two teams enjoying very contrasting campaigns until now.
While new Liverpool boss Arne Slot has hit the ground running and has his team sitting second in the league table, Manchester United lie in 14th and on Monday, sacked Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United have moved swiftly to bring in a replacement for the Dutchman and are in advanced negotiations with Sporting Lisbon to bring in their 39-year-old head coach Ruben Amorim.
That is a familiar name for Liverpool fans as the Portuguese was heavily linked with the job at Anfield before Slot was confirmed as the replacement for Jurgen Klopp towards the end of last season.
Amorim is one of the most sought-after young coaches in world football but more importantly, his move to Manchester United could have a detrimental effect on Liverpool’s transfer plans.
Manchester United could spoil transfer plans at Liverpool
Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most consistent strikers in European football under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and is wanted in the Premier League.
Liverpool are amongst the clubs who are interested in signing him and he is likely to leave the Portuguese giants next summer.
He has a €100m release clause in his contract but Sporting Lisbon are expected to sell for a fee in the region of €70m.
Liverpool are very keen but there are claims that Amorim could want the striker to follow him to Old Trafford.
Can you name the club Liverpool signed these players from?
While a move in January has been ruled out, Manchester United could join the race for the Swedish striker at the end of the season.
Liverpool are in a better place than Manchester United but the Amorim factor could work in the Red Devils’ favour in a straight shoot-out.
The Sporting Lisbon boss is yet to finalise the move to Old Trafford but his potential arrival at Manchester United is already causing some consternations at Anfield.
Liverpool have other attackers on their shortlist but Gyokeres has the experience of playing in England and has turned into a lethal finisher under Amorim’s tutelage over the last couple of seasons.
