Manchester United targets Morten Hjulmand amid Sporting reluctance

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano outlines two hurdles in Manchester United's pursuit of Morten Hjulmand.

Manchester United targets Morten Hjulmand amid Sporting reluctance

Manchester United want to add a midfielder before the transfer window closes and have earmarked Morten Hjulmand of Sporting Lisbon as a potential fit to balance Bruno Fernandes in midfield and bring leadership to the group. The club has also looked at Carlos Baleba, but Brighton value him at around £100m, making a quick deal unlikely. With Baleba unlikely, United are weighing alternatives and exploring how a move for Hjulmand would fit the squad. Romano highlights two points shaping the pursuit: Sporting don’t want to sell other top players after Viktor Gyokeres left earlier this summer, and United have not yet begun concrete talks for Hjulmand. While United are aware of the Dane and his appeal to Amorim, no formal negotiations have started between clubs yet.

United’s approach shows a desire for a steady, leadership-forward midfielder who can shield the defense and steady the spine of the team. That choice would echo a broader tactic: recruit players who fit a coach’s vision and culture, not just a gap on paper. But tying recruitment to a coach’s personal preference risks turning transfers into a story of loyalty and timing rather than clear, strategic need. If the price and timing don’t align, United could miss a window or overpay in a crowded market. The role of Ineos as an owner-backed driver adds patience to the process, yet it also raises expectations among fans who want tangible progress soon.

Highlights

The next phase will test United’s timing and the art of negotiation in a crowded market.