Manchester United could sign an ‘athletic midfielder’ during the ongoing transfer window.
The Red Devils have had a promising summer with three high-profile acquisitions.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo had fabulous debuts against Arsenal last weekend.
Benjamin Sesko should emerge as another fantastic signing in the final third for United.
The Athletic now claim that there will be an internal debate at United on whether to pursue an alternative solution to Carlos Baleba to bolster their midfield.
Baleba has been the club’s top midfield target, but a summer deal is unlikely due to Brighton & Hove Albion’s hefty demands of more than £115 million.
The Red Devils could pursue a fallback option, and it is reported that there is ‘an appreciation’ for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
United manager Ruben Amorim has a strong relationship with the Dane, having worked together for 18 months at the reigning Portuguese champions.
Red Devils could make a late swoop for Hjulmand
United suffered a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Premier League curtain-raiser at Old Trafford last Sunday.
Casemiro got the nod in the holding midfield role and was replaced by Manuel Ugarte.
Neither of them were particularly convincing. While Casemiro delivered some quality long passes, the Brazilian struggled to maintain the same level of intensity.
Ugarte, on the other hand, looked nervous after his introduction. He gifted possession to the Gunners on multiple occasions with his poor decision-making.
United need a better solution before the transfer window closes. A strong holding midfielder seems essential if they want to push for a top-four finish.
Hjulmand would be a good solution, having already adapted to the manager’s playing style in Lisbon.
He had a passing accuracy of 91 percent last season with 5.7 recoveries and 62 percent duels won.
He also caught the eye with his tackling and positioning in the centre of the park at Sporting.
The Dane has a £68 million buy-out clause in his contract, and Sporting could hold out for at least £58m to part ways with the former Lecce midfielder.
Sporting CP could be willing to accept staggered payments with add-ons but the final decision on a move could depend on the Red Devils’ hierarchy.
With United likely to return for Baleba next summer, the onus could be on landing a more affordable recruit, thereby saving funds for the 21-year-old.
In that case, United could turn to someone like Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume.
Stats from Sofascore.com