If there is one area that Ruben Amorim would like to upgrade, it is the middle of the park. Despite Manchester United’s famous win away at Liverpool, problems persist.
Casemiro usually does not last the full 90 minutes nowadays, and his contract expires next summer. Manuel Ugarte, who was signed as the Brazilian’s successor, has struggled to make an impact since his arrival last year.
With the head coach not trusting Kobbie Mainoo, there is clearly room for another defensive midfielder. Amorim initially wanted INEOS to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, but his valuation proved to be beyond United’s reach.
There has been talk of a renewed approach in January, but the Cameroonian is likely to cost £100 million, a fee the Red Devils are unlikely to be able to afford.
Midfielder hunt
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another top target, but the Eagles will not let go for less than £70-£75 million. United will prefer a more economic option in January.
And as per Teamtalk, Amorim has asked the 20-time English league champions to go after his former Sporting CP protege Morten Hjulmand.
Amorim loves the Dane having worked with him at his previous club, and he is not only adept at shielding the backline but his passing ability is also better than Ugarte.
The 26-year-old has a release clause worth £70 million in his contract, but United are confident they can get the former Lecce midfielder for £50 million.
“Manchester United, under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim, are intensifying their search for midfield reinforcements as the January 2026 transfer window approaches, with a Sporting CP star high on the shortlist, TEAMtalk understands.
“Sources indicate that Hjulmand, a 26-year-old Danish midfielder, is “absolutely loved” by Amorim, who coached him at Sporting before joining United.
Morten Hjulmand available for less than release clause
“The pair’s successful collaboration in Lisbon, where Hjulmand anchored a title-winning side with his tenacity and precise passing, makes him a natural fit for Amorim’s vision at Old Trafford.
“TEAMtalk understands that United are optimistic about securing Hjulmand for around £50m, despite his £70m release clause, as Sporting may be open to negotiations given their relationship with their former manager.”
There is no doubt, Morten Hjulmand is a quality player, but there are doubts about his physicality, and United need someone who can hit the ground running.
Most players from abroad tend to take time to adapt to the rigours of the English top-flight, and in the second half of the campaign, most incomings might not get that time. Now, the ball is in INEOS and Amorim’s court.
Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
