Following the successful acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, Manchester United appears to be re-strategizing its transfer focus. The club has reportedly identified Morten Hjulmand, a midfielder from Sporting Lisbon and a former player of Ruben Amorim, as their next primary target. This development suggests a broader recruitment approach by the Red Devils, moving beyond offensive reinforcements to strengthen their midfield.
The Manchester club has been active in the summer transfer window, securing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million and Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno for £3.3 million. The recent agreement to bring Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford, valued at £71 million with a payment structure spread across four installments and a contract extending until at least June 2030, marks a significant offensive reinforcement. While reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano initially indicated that a new striker would be the club's subsequent priority, diverging information has emerged regarding their immediate intentions.
Contrary to the earlier reports of pursuing a new striker, a recent exclusive suggests that Manchester United's attention has shifted to Morten Hjulmand. The Denmark international, who previously played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, is now considered the 'main target' for the Old Trafford outfit. Hjulmand joined Sporting from Lecce in 2023 for £16 million and has since made 65 appearances under Amorim's tutelage.
The pursuit of Hjulmand, currently valued at a release clause of €80 million, places Manchester United at the forefront of a competitive race, with Inter Milan, Arsenal, Liverpool, PSG, and Barcelona also monitoring the player. Despite Juventus reportedly holding discussions with Hjulmand's representatives, Manchester United is believed to be the frontrunner. A key factor in their favor is Amorim's potential presence at Carrington, which could significantly sway Hjulmand towards a reunion with his former manager. While Sporting Lisbon is keen on receiving the full release clause, there is speculation that an offer in the range of €50-60 million might be accepted.
This strategic pivot towards Hjulmand, a midfielder with a strong connection to a prospective coaching figure, highlights Manchester United's evolving recruitment strategy. The club seems intent on building a squad that aligns with a specific tactical vision, prioritizing players who have a proven track record with potential managerial appointments. The emphasis on Hjulmand signifies a clear intent to fortify the central areas of the pitch, indicating a comprehensive approach to squad building beyond just attacking options.
