Ruben Amorim and Manchester United’s chiefs appear completely aligned on their ‘priority’ midfield transfer target this summer.
With the deal for Bryan Mbeumo finalised, Manchester United are now turning their attention to securing a new centre-forward and a central midfielder.
Ruben Amorim is likely to be encouraged by the attacking additions of Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo — two signings expected to inject new energy and elevate United’s attacking play.
Despite these reinforcements, the club remains in the market for a natural number nine and a dynamic, high-energy midfielder, with both positions considered key to Amorim’s tactical blueprint at Old Trafford.
While further signings will depend on outgoing transfers, United are continuing to assess and prioritise their top targets in anticipation of an incoming boost to their transfer budget.
United’s priority midfield target
United continue to explore midfield reinforcements, with several names linked to a potential move to Old Trafford. Any new arrival will need to complement Bruno Fernandes and bring balance to United’s central unit.
“It was a pre-season game. The gaps between our sectors was sometimes too big,” Amorim said after the opening friendly against Leeds last weekend. “We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park and you can feel it is hard to win and bring the ball.”
Recent reports have revealed that Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand has emerged as the club’s top priority for the role. While Brazilian duo Ederson and Richard Rios are also under consideration, Hjulmand is seen as the standout option; a player Amorim knows well from their time together in Lisbon.
It was also explained that Amorim gives United a clear edge in the race to land the Danish midfielder. Hjulmand is protected by a £69 million release clause, but it’s believed Sporting may be open to negotiating a fee closer to £43 million.
Amorim agrees with United chiefs on Hjulmand
Hjulmand played 65 times under Amorim at Sporting between his arrival in 2023 and the Portuguese coaches move to Old Trafford the following year.
He had extremely kind words to say about the United boss after he joined the Reds and Amorim himself is a huge fan of the midfielder, even admitting that he preferred him to current United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
“When we arrived here, I love Palhinha and Ugarte, but I’d say Hjulmand is the most complete player to play in that position,” Amorim said in April last year.
“I know they’ll be upset, and I certainly don’t know who their favourite coach is, but Hjulmand… It’s that luck, that connection with scouting, everyone at the academy understanding the philosophy of the game. That helps you grow.”
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It is quite clear that Amorim is on the same page as the United board when it comes to Hjulmand, but it remains to be seen whether he will actually be signed.
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