Manchester United travel to face Chelsea on Saturday night, in a match that could go a long way towards deciding who finishes in the top four in the Premier League this term.
The Red Devils currently sit third in the top flight table, although Michael Carrick’s side have won just one of their last four games and were beaten 2-1 by struggling Leeds United last time out.
Chelsea, meanwhile, occupy sixth place in the Premier League standings, and have won just one of their last seven games in the competition.
Ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge, it is emerging that Man United are ahead of one of their fiercest rivals in the race to land a highly-rated midfielder.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United are ahead of rivals Manchester City in the race to land Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer.
The report claims that the Red Devils have identified the Dane as one of a number of possible targets ahead of this summer’s transfer window, as they look to bolster their ranks in midfield.
Hjulmand is on the radar of both Manchester City and Manchester United (Photo: PA/Alamy)
Hjulmand, 26, has made more than 135 appearances for Sporting since joining the club from Italian side Lecce in 2023.
The Denmark international has built a reputation as one of the standout players in the Portuguese top flight, but it appears that Sporting may face a battle to keep hold of the player beyond this summer.
Hjulmand’s contract with the Portuguese champions is set to expire in 2028, but it is claimed that the player himself is ready to move on and challenge himself elsewhere after three years in Lisbon.
Man United are eyeing a new signing in midfield ahead of Casemiro’s departure from Old Trafford this summer, and the report suggests that the Red Devils are in pole position to land the Dane as the Citizens are currently prioritising a move to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.