Bid submitted: Man Utd & Chelsea both 'make £64m offer' for 'best in the league' 43-goal superstar striker

Manchester United played out a drab 0-0 contest with rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon as the Red Devils failed to score for the second-straight Premier League game.

Ruben Amorim’s side returned from the international break against Nottingham Forest in midweek but lost 1-0 at the City Ground after a goal from United academy graduate Anthony Elanga.

Against City, United managed just two shots on target in a game that neither side threatened to win. Reflecting on the game, Amorim said: “We had more space and that is something normal when you prepare to do that. We were closer to a goal. They had more possession but that is normal. Sometimes Ederson did quite well because we had some moments where they used a good pass in the overlap, things we didn’t do against Nottingham. If you look at the team we have so much to improve in every aspect of the game.”

Man United ‘make £64m offer’ for Viktor Gyökeres

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United - along with their Premier League rivals Chelsea - have both offered Sporting CP £64m (€75m) to sign star striker Viktor Gyökeres. Amorim noted after the draw with City how his side “clearly” need to improve in the final third.

Gyökeres would undoubtedly help United in that regard. The Sweden international has scored a stunning 43 goals in 43 games this season, while also providing 11 assists. 30 of those goals have come in the Liga Portugal. However, he has shown his ability to do it at the highest level with six goals in eight Champions League games this campaign. He is a player Amorim knows well having played for Sporting while the United boss was in charge of the Portuguese club.

Arsenal have also been linked with the player but United are said to see him as a “key option” to turn their fortunes around. Meanwhile, Chelsea are also keen to make him a “cornerstone” of their squad as they chase a place in the Champions League.

Gyökeres hailed as best in the league - as he can solve major issue for Man United

Current Sporting CP manager Rui Borges hailed Gyökeres as the best striker in the Liga Portugal after he scored in a Taça de Portugal win over Rio Ave last week. He said: "He is the best in the league, clearly. There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team, he has helped the team to grow with confidence, quality of play, he passes it on to his team-mates.

"He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn't want to rest. Maybe today he could rest. It is a young team, and he, as an athlete, player and teammate, instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team."

Gyökeres goal threat could play a major role in United’s planned rebuild. Goals have been a big issue for the Red Devils this term, with Amorim’s side finding the net 37 times in just 31 Premier League games. Main strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both had underwhelming seasons in front of goal.