From their worst-ever Premier League finish, to managerial changes and a Europa League final defeat, it certainly was a year to forget for Manchester United in 2024/25.
Ruben Amorim was chosen as the man to try and save the sinking ship after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, aiming to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford during his tenure.
He alluded to their struggles when taking the reins, but promised that ‘better days are coming’ - still, as everyone knows, actions speak louder than words at the top-level of professional football.
Judgement on whether his ambitions come to fruition will be seen in due course, as England’s top-flight once again gears up for another year of promise, disappointment and expectations.
A mammoth reaction is needed from everyone associated with the Red Devils in the coming months, especially after the backing provided by the board during the off-season.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during training
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during training
Man Utd’s hunt to land a new midfield star
Their failures on the pitch in recent times are there for all to see, but there’s no question the United board are showcasing their attempts to prevent such an embarrassing year from reoccurring down the line.
Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all been recruited to improve the frontline, resulting in a whopping £200m already being splashed in the summer window.
Man-Utd-Baleba-alternatives
Carlos Baleba alternatives
After such moves, reports of landing a new midfielder have intensified, with such a hunt leading them to Brighton star Carlos Baleba - albeit being a complex move given his £100m price tag.
The Cameroonian isn’t alone on their shortlist, as Amorim seemingly wants a reunion with Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand - leading to The Sun reporting a potential £50m bid is currently being lined up.
Within the piece, it’s claimed that the player himself would be open to switching to England, but any move could hinge on any development in the move for Baleba.
With the trasfer deadline now rapidly approaching in the rearview mirror, it’s vital the right move is made to allow the players currently on the books to thrive alongside any new addition.
How United’s £50m target would impact United’s midfield
United’s failures in recent times have largely been down to poor recruitment, forking out mammoth sums for talents who’ve been unable to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Ten-Hag-signings-Man-Utd-timeless
Erik ten Hag
However, the same can’t be said for one man - Bruno Fernandes, who may well end his career at Old Trafford as one of their greatest ever purchases.
No supporter could’ve foreseen the impact he would make, after the board forked out an initial £47m to prise him away from Sporting in January 2020.
The Portuguese international - who’s since been made club captain - has amassed a staggering 98 goals from his deep-lying position, often being the club’s go-to in terms of goal contributions.
However, the arrival of the attacking trio will likely take such responsibility off his shoulders, able to form a partnership with Hjulmand - solving the massive issue which has been apparent at the heart of the side.
Morten Hjulmand for Sporting Lisbon
Morten Hjulmand for Sporting Lisbon
Like Fernandes, the Dane may be an unknown quantity to many at present, but any move to the Theatre of Dreams could catapult himself to stardom, whilst aiding Amorim’s ambitions of bringing the glory days back to the club.
According to FBref, Hjulmand ranked in the 99th percentile for passes completed (90%), offering a needed composed figure to the side - who sat sixth in average possession in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.
Morten Hjulmand's stats for Sporting (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Take-on success
Passes into final third
Tackles won
Interceptions made
Aerial success
Stats via FBref
Being comfortable on the ball is always important in a system that demands intricate play, but the 26-year-old has also demonstrated his ability to break the lines in Portugal.
He made 6.7 passes into the final third per 90, ranking him in the top 8% of all players in Europe - ultimately leading to analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him a “complete midfielder”.
Such comments also take his ball-winning ability into account, notching 2.2 tackles won and 1.1 interceptions made per 90 - numbers which could put an end to the club’s hunt for a new midfielder.
Hjulmand’s all-round quality would allow him to operate slightly deeper, seeing Bruno take up a free role ahead of him, enabling him to continue his phenomenal levels of output in attacking areas.
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring their second goal with Sporting CP's Morten Hjulmand
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring their second goal with Sporting CP's Morten Hjulmand
Now, the question becomes whether Amorim pursues a move for his former player, or breaks the bank and makes a club-record move to prise Baleba away from the Seagulls’ clutches.
A move for Hjulmand would make perfect sense, already knowing the demands of the manager, but also offering a much cheaper alternative for the hierarchy.
The new additions are undoubtedly providing excitement within the fanbase, but it remains vital they don’t neutralise players like Bruno as a result - with the Sporting star able to aid the captain in taking the Red Devils up the table in 2025/26.