Manchester United are expected to pursue a new midfielder in 2026. The Red Devils are on the rise under Ruben Amorim, who is gradually finding his footing at the Theatre of Dreams.
After a slow start to the campaign, the English giants have now won three of their last four matches, including victories over Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.
The Portuguese head coach invested over £200m in his attack this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. The trio has significantly strengthened the frontline, but the midfield remains a weak point at present.
With Casemiro out of contract next summer and Manuel Ugarte struggling for form, a new midfielder has become a priority for Amorim in 2026. Several names have been linked as potential solutions to United’s woes, including Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand.
A reunion at Old Trafford
Amorim knows all about Hjulmand, having signed the Dane from Lecce in 2023 during his time as Sporting’s manager. The 26 year old thrived under the Portuguese at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, registering six goals and five assists from 65 games across competitions.
Hjulmand was linked with United this summer as well, but a move failed to materialise. Recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are already planning to reunite the pair at the Theatre of Dreams in January 2026.
The Dane is well versed in the demands of the 3-4-3 system and could hit the ground running with a move to Old Trafford. Amorim has deployed Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the midfield pivot this season, and Hjulmand could represent an upgrade on the Brazilian in the defensive midfield role.
The rumours have already begun to gather momentum, and Sporting manager Rui Borges has now opened up on the situation.
Borges not concern by United’s interest
Sporting are preparing to face Marseille in the Champions League at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday, 22 October. In the pre-match press conference, Borges was quizzed about United’s interest in Hjulmand and the possibility of a move in January.
The Sporting manager appeared unmoved by the rumours, stating (via A Bola): “A lot of questions [laughs]… We don’t have any tears, unlike last season. Muscle tears.”
“Hjulmand is Hjulmand. Our leader, captain. He won’t always be at his best, but he’s always important. He demands of himself and his teammates every day. As for United, it’s October, and I’m focused on Marseille.”
United are likely to face competition from Juventus in the race to sign the Danish midfielder in 2026.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
