Football Insider exclusive as Morten Hjulmand is in action for Sporting CP, while Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds in a circular ...
(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Wed 15 April 2026 18:00, UK
Morten Hjulmand is pushing to move to the Premier League this summer amid strong interest from Manchester United, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils have identified the Sporting CP star as a clear candidate to strengthen their midfield ahead of next season, although they also have several other names on their list of targets.
Nevertheless, Michael Carrick’s side are now leading the race to land the Dane ahead of Manchester City, with sources indicating that the 26-year-old is not a top priority at the Etihad Stadium as they try and land Elliot Anderson.
Hjulmand himself is ready for a move to the Premier League, having spent the last three seasons in Portugal with Sporting, and he is now ready for a new challenge at the top level.
Manchester United are in the market for a midfielder with Casemiro’s departure imminent, and they could be about to give Hjulmand the chance that he has been waiting for.
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How does Morten Hjulmand compare to Casemiro?
Casemiro has enjoyed a resurgence at Old Trafford in recent months, but that hasn’t been enough to convince the club hierarchy that it is worth triggering the extension clause in his contract.
As a result, United are being forced to look for a new midfield option in the upcoming window, as they are set to be left with just Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo as natural fits for their deeper-lying roles.
Stats Hjulmand Casemiro
Apps (Starts) 25 (24) 30 (29)
G/A 6 10
Chances Created per 90 1.09 1.29
Accurate Passes per 90 59.6 45.6
Tackles per 90 2.18 2.86
Duels Won per 90 5.41 6.32
Hjulmand’s 2025-26 league stats compared to Casemiro, as per Fotmob.
Casemiro has typically operated at the base of the midfield in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 position, and Hjulmand has occupied the exact same area of the field for Sporting.
The former Lecce man has been a central figure in their Champions League success this season, and is currently outperforming Casemiro when it comes to the number of passes that he plays per 90 minutes.
He is also a close match for the veteran Brazilian in terms of tackles and duels, despite his relative lack of top-level experience compared to the United man.
Links between Hjulmand and a move to Old Trafford were particularly strong during Ruben Amorim’s reign, but the club’s interest hasn’t subsided at all now that Carrick is at the helm.
Man United’s midfield options could get thinner before Morten Hjulmand move
Football Insider recently revealed that Newcastle are lining up a move for Ugarte this summer, amid ongoing suggestions that he could be sold ahead of next season.
The Uruguayan has struggled to make a telling impact since his move from PSG, and the lack of consistency in his performances has left supporters frustrated with him at times.
He has been heavily linked with an exit in recent weeks, and a summer sale could see United’s midfield options get even thinner before they move to bolster their ranks.
The middle of the pitch is a key area of concern for the recruitment team this summer, especially given the way that Bruno Fernandes has performed in a more advanced role.
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