Manchester United would like to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closes but Ineos are having to look at alternative options.
During pre-season, Ruben Amorim spotted a “lack of pace” in midfield when Manchester United faced Leeds.
It appeared to be a transfer message to Ineos that a new midfielder was needed, and United’s recruitment team responded by taking action.
United opened talks for Carlos Baleba, but Brighton would prefer to keep hold of their £100m-rated midfielder until next summer.
With a Baleba deal looking unlikely, United are considering midfield alternatives, and it seems one option is Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand.
Fabrizio Romano provides Morten Hjulmand to Man United update
Ever since Amorim’s appointment as head coach back in November, rumours started swirling that Hjulmand could join him in Manchester.
Amorim is a huge admirer of Hjulmand having made him captain of Sporting during their time together in Portugal.
Now, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared a new update on United’s interest in the Danish star.
“Obviously, Ruben Amorim knows the player so well, and he is a player always appreciated by Amorim.
“But there are two points.
“First point: Sporting don’t want to sell other top players after losing Viktor Gyokeres this summer, so it will be a tough and difficult deal to do.
“Second point: Manchester United, at the moment, have not started concrete or real talks for Morten Hjulmand.
“They are informed about the situation because he is a player who has always been on their list, but at the moment, they have not advanced in club-to-club talks.”
How Morten Hjulmand would fit at Man United
With Bruno Fernandes expected to drop deeper in 2025/26, Ineos are keen to find an ideal midfield partner for the Portuguese playmaker.
During their time in Portugal, Amorim preferred Hjulmand over Manuel Ugarte, which suggests he will view the Dane as an upgrade on his current options.
United essentially need a younger Casemiro to protect the backline, and Hjulmand is a good fit for that profile.
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It is expected that Hjulmand could cost around £35m, but for a 26-year-old midfielder entering his prime, it could be an ideal time for him to reunite with Amorim in Manchester.
Amorim has built a six-man leadership group at United, and as captain of Sporting, Hjulmand would also be another big voice in the dressing room.