United Beyond Manchester

Morten Hjulmand will be in demand next summer, as several clubs have already expressed interest in signing the Sporting CP midfielder. Manchester United, who is one of the interested parties, may have gotten the upper hand in the race with the appointment of Ruben Amorim.

Last summer, when Amorim was vying for the Liverpool job, Hjulmand was a player the 39-year-old identified as a target for the Anfield side. Liverpool eventually went with Arne Slot over Amorim, and both the player and manager remained at Sporting.

Amorim may now focus on acquiring the 25-year-old midfielder for Manchester United. Despite signing Manuel Ugarte, a former Sporting player, last summer, United’s midfield continues to face challenges. With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen likely to leave in the upcoming summer transfer window, strengthening the midfield will be essential. Bringing in Hjulmand would give Amorim access to a player he knows and is familiar with.

A transfer for the Danish star will be challenging because his current contract runs through 2028 and reportedly includes an €80 million release clause. Additionally, the interest from several clubs looking to sign Hjulmand complicates the situation, giving Sporting significant leverage in negotiations.

Despite the potential roadblocks, Amorim gives Manchester United an edge in convincing the midfielder to join. The new United manager is an obvious admirer of the player and could push United officials to make a deal.