Manchester United’s need for a midfielder was made apparent during their 0-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal last Sunday.
Despite completely dominating the Gunners, the home side failed to build on their momentum in the latter stages, with Ruben Amorim replacing an ageing Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguayan looked abysmal, struggling to control the ball, while always choosing the safe pass instead of trying to break the lines.
It was a surprise to seem him emerge from the bench instead of Kobbie Mainoo, who is seen by the head coach more as a No.8 than a defensive midfielder.
Midfielder needed
Casemiro cannot play week in and week out, while the former Paris Saint-Germain has struggled since his big-money move to Manchester last summer. That is why the Portuguese tactician was demanding INEOS to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
However, the Seagulls refused to sanction a sale, and as a result, the Red Devils have had to move on to alternate targets.
Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP is a player Amorim knows well, having brought him to the club from Lecce. And INEOS are keeping a close watch on the Dane.
There are doubts regarding his physicality, while negotiating with Sporting president Frederico Varandas will also be a massive pain.
The Portuguese giants have already sold Viktor Gyokeres, and they do not want to lose their skipper in the same window.
Now, Thursday’s edition of Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness) claimed Sporting are eager to tie down the 26-year-old on a new long-term deal.
Sporting do not want to lose Morten Hjulmand
Currently, his deal is valid until 2028, with the midfield dynamo earning €38,462 gross per week (via capology). In a bid to thwart suitors, Sporting want to offer him a pay rise.
“Sporting blocked all approaches they received from Manchester United for Morten Hjulmand. Amorim withdraws.
“Varandas is uncompromising in releasing the captain to Manchester United.”
Whether INEOS keep pushing, only time will tell. Adam Wharton is another potential name on the club’s list, and he continues to be scouted.
Lucien Agoume is a cost-effective option, and hopefully, a new midfielder is brought in before the close of the window.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
