Manchester United’s pursuit of a midfielder this summer is set to take shape over the next few weeks with a strong shortlist growing.
While the attack has been prioritised by Ineos over the opening month of the transfer window, this doesn’t mean the other priority positions are forgotten.
Having signed Matheus Cunha and hopefully, Bryan Mbeumo to overhaul the attacking midfield positions, Manchester United’s attentions will soon turn to the centre of midfield.
After signing Mbeumo, United’s attentions are set to turn to the midfield, along with three other positions.
This has been building over the past few weeks, with United linked with numerous midfielders to come in and likely partner Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park next season.
Now, one player Ruben Amorim is a fan of has had a reasonable asking price placed on him which could tempt Ineos.
Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand pose with trophy.
Photo by Valter Gouveia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Sporting CP set Morten Hjulmand’s asking price and Manchester United must swoop
Sporting CP players have been relentlessly linked with United over the past eight months since Ruben Amorim made the switch to Old Trafford. Most notable has been United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres which could yet reignite, however numerous others have also been linked.
Among them has been Morten Hjulmand. A Danish international, Hjulmand has been linked with United since last summer. However, he had a large asking price of £69m which was a big risk considering his lack of experience.
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But after another strong season, he is wanted across Europe, including in Italy with Juventus keen. Now, Il Bianconero have reported that Sporting are now asking for £34m to sell Hjulmand.
Speaking on Fabrizio Romano in Italiano YouTube channel, Matteo Moretto has added to this situation of Juventus’ interest, explaining Sporting are asking for double the £17m they spent on the Dane to sign him from Lecce.
“One of the names that has been mentioned internally in recent weeks is that of Hjulmand, formerly of Lecce, currently at Sporting in Portugal and has a long contract.
“Hjulmand because he has a contract until 2028, he moved just last summer or even two years ago, I don’t remember exactly now, for a figure in any case around 20 million euros.
“Now Sporting is asking for much more, they are asking for almost double, so it will certainly be a very complicated operation, but I can confirm, I can tell you that within the Juventus dialogues, this option was also born, this possible idea. We will understand if it can be developed.”
Juventus have offered United Douglas Luiz which would clear the space for Hjulmand in midfield, however, instead Ineos should be considering buying the Dane and reuniting him with Amorim.
It is a move that Amorim would be pleased by.
Ruben Amorim prefers Hjulmand to Manuel Ugarte
Midfield reinforcements have always been expected this summer, with Amorim not entirely wowed by his current options in the position.
Manuel Ugarte was dropped for the final few games of the season which showed an element of distrust from the manager in the Uruguayan.
Signing Hjulmand would therefore please Amorim, with the Portuguese head coach admitting previously his thoughts on the Dane. Amorim prefers Hjulmand to Ugarte, and he said as much back in 2024.
“I know that Ugarte and [Joao] Palhinha will be upset, but for me, [Morten] Hjulmand is the most complete player in that position.”
This makes grim reading for fans of Ugarte, and if Hjulmand is available when United turn full attentions to the midfield then surely Ineos will be keen.