Man United could sign Ruben Amorim favourite for well below his £70m release clause
Man United are ramping up their midfielders hunt after several setbacks since the last summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are working relentlessly on strengthening the middle of the park, especially with Casemiro expected to leave Man United next summer at the end of his contract.
Sources told Football Insider that long-term Man United target Carlos Baleba was spotted at a Liverpool match, opening up rumours their bitter rivals may snatch him up.
Moreover, Man United are set to struggle in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson with Nottingham Forest determined to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.
These potential deals that seem unlikely have seen Ruben Amorim go back to the drawing board as he turns to a player he once coached at Sporting CP.
Morten Hjulmand a ‘possibility’ for Man United as other midfield candidates appear out of reach.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Red Devils could opt for a reunion between the Portuguese and his former star centre-midfielder.
Over the summer, Man United were linked with Morten Hjulmand but ultimately turned down their pursuit of him when other midfield options in England seemed more enticing.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the club’s renewed interest in the Dane, I explained: “It’s a possibility that Hjulmand could be somebody that United look to bring in for next year.
“Look, we fully expect Manchester United to try and bring in a new midfielder in 2026. They’ve been linked with the likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson. So, Hjulmand is just another name that’s on that list.
“As you said, there is an association between the Dane and Ruben Amorim. Ruben Amorim signed Hjulmand from Lecce in 2023 and obviously they both enjoyed success working together.
“He helped Sporting win the title under Amorim as well. And he’s good player, good experience, captain now at Sporting Lisbon as well and playing at Champions League level.
“The thing with Hjulmand is that he is on the contract until 2028. He’s probably a cheaper alternative to those other three midfielders I mentioned.
“He has got a release clause in his contract at Sporting for around £70million, but I think United will be confident that could maybe get him for less than that release clause.
“I’m sure Sporting want to keep him but I’m sure the opportunity to maybe move to the Premier League and reunite with Ruben Amorim will be something that could be of interest to Hjulmand as well.”
Hjulmand an even better option with Liverpool leading race for Adam Wharton
One of the aforementioned midfield targets for United is the Crystal Palace diamond who continues to impress down in south London.
However, sources told Football Insider that Liverpool are amongst several clubs in the hunt for Adam Wharton.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool will have to fork out up to £150m for Wharton to pry him away from the Eagles.
This alarming price tag will certainly deter the Red Devils with Hjulmand a much more economical alternative.