Dylan Oakley Aug 15th 2025
Man United are reportedly preparing a bid for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand as an alternative to Carlos Baleba.
Reports have said that Man United want to sign Baleba to be their new reliable holding midfielder, partnering up with Bruno Fernandes, and helping to protect the back three for Amorim.
However, Brighton has placed a huge £100m plus price tag on Baleba due to his age, potential, and current Premier League experience, which could make it difficult for United to sign him. The Red Devils would have to sell several names to fund a deal for the 21-year-old.
Players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Jadon Sancho will need to leave before they can sign Baleba. Furthermore, Brighton have made it clear that it intends to keep the midfielder, and so United will have to consider someone else for their new holding midfielder. There is a potential target available, who Ruben Amorim is very familiar with.
Man United remain keen on Hjulmand
Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand was previously linked with a move to Old Trafford due to his links to Amorim, and the club’s need for a new holding midfielder.
He is a very different type of midfielder to Baleba, as he is more of a physical midfielder, who is taller, stronger, and could provide a proper presence in the middle of the park. According to a report by the Sun, Man United are lining up a £50m bid to sign Hjulmand this summer.
His release clause is set at £68m, but the report says that Sporting would likely be willing to accept a bid of under £60m for him. It is not understood whether a £50m bid from United would be enough to bring the Danish midfielder to Old Trafford.
Furthermore, Amorim’s links to the player could tempt him to join United, especially without having to offer a massive wage and spend big – like they would have to with Baleba.
Click here to see Man United’s first team squad ahead of the new season.
