Fabrizio Romano has revealed two reasons why Manchester United are unlikely to sign a ‘top’ alternative to Carlos Baleba this summer.
Manchester United face a tricky situation in midfield this summer, made even harder by the absence of European football. Ruben Amorim currently has only four senior midfielders at his disposal, with limited scope to give them all consistent minutes.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are expected to be Amorim’s first-choice duo, though neither is a natural fit for the holding role in his 3-4-2-1 system.
The alternatives – Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo – provide depth, but the club remain intent on signing another midfielder, ideally one with stronger defensive qualities and greater mobility.
Carlos Baleba had been widely seen as United’s main target, and many fans hoped a deal could be struck. But reports now suggest that the Brighton man will remain under Fabian Hürzeler for the coming season, leaving United to reconsider their options.
Fabrizio Romano reveals why United unlikely to sign Hjulmand
United have not been linked with many midfielders this summer but one of the few who were rumoured with a move before the Baleba saga was Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Danish star remains a player on United’s list, and that he is appreciated by Amorim, who coached him at Sporting.
But the Italian journalist has explained two reasons why a deal would be difficult and unlikely for Hjulmand this summer even though he would be open to the move.
“Obviously Ruben Amorim knows the player so well, he’s a player who has always been appreciated by Amorim but there are two points,” Romano began.
“First point is that Sporting don’t want to sell other top players after losing Viktor Gyokeres this summer, so it would be a tough and difficult deal to do.
“Second point, Manchester United at the moment have not started concrete talks, real talks for Morten Hjulmand.
“They are informed on the situation because its a player who’s always been in their list, one of the players they’ve been following, well known by Amorim, but at the moment they have not advanced in club-to-club talks.
“This is for several reasons – because they were focusing on Baleba, because they still wait to understand what kind of player they really want to sign with Baleba now not being available this summer.”
United are waiting for Baleba next year
While no move is expected for Baleba this summer, it has been suggested that United will return for the Cameroon international next year.
If that is a genuine strategy, then it makes little sense to spend upwards of £50 million on someone like Hjulmand when they likely won’t be a starting player in 12 months.
Unless the club are going to buy another top class midfield player – like an Adam Wharton – they are likely better off by recruiting a short-term option on loan or a younger midfielder for a cheaper fee.
Hjulmand seems like be a decent player, but he would not provide the kind of transformation someone like Baleba would have in the midfield at Old Trafford.
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