Manchester United have a new No.1 target to bolster the middle of the park after deciding to abandon the chase for Carlos Baleba.
After finishing their attacking renovation by recruiting Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, the Red Devils are now addressing their midfield issues.
INEOS is working on signing an enforcer capable of seamlessly winning back possession and offering some much-needed Brawn in the middle of the pitch, especially since Bruno Fernandes is expected to fill the other slot in the double pivot.
Man United cannot afford to buy Carlos Baleba this summer
In Ruben Amorim’s book, Baleba is tailor-made for this role. The 21-year-old is powerful, intense, energetic, and most of all, eager to play for MUFC.
But while Man Utd and the Cameroonian have been dreaming of this marriage, Brighton stood in the way. The Seagulls made it abundantly clear that Baleba is not for sale, as he’ll have a major role to play this season.
According to BBC Chief Football News Reporter Simon Stone, Man Utd have decided to call off their pursuit of the young midfielder without launching any concrete offers.
The Reds realised that Brighton would only consider astronomical offers that exceed £100 million, a figure that INEOS would certainly struggle to fork out this summer, especially after splashing £200 million on the aforementioned attacking trio, not to mention the absence of European football.
Therefore, instead of running out of time while chasing a lost cause, United are expected to target alternative profiles, and chief among them is Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand.
MUFC turn to Amorim’s pupil Morten Hjulmand
The 26-year-old Dane is an old favourite of Amorim, and the two men would certainly relish a reunion at Old Trafford.
The former Lecce midfielder should be available for circa £45 million, making him a significantly more affordable target compared to Baleba.
Hjulmand is a well-rounded midfielder capable of shielding the backline, while also helping bring the ball forward with his clever distribution.
