Manchester United are reportedly rivalling Juventus for another signing this summer and this player is one Ruben Amorim is prioritising.
With the signing of Bryan Mbeumo now complete, Manchester United have shifted focus toward reinforcing two key areas: centre-forward and central midfield.
Ruben Amorim will be buoyed by the arrivals of Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha — two attacking additions expected to bring fresh energy and a sharper edge to United’s forward play.
However, the club is still actively pursuing a natural number nine and a dynamic, high-intensity midfielder, with both roles seen as essential to Amorim’s tactical plans at Old Trafford.
Although future arrivals may hinge on player departures, United continue to evaluate their top targets in preparation for a potential boost in transfer funds.
United make £34m offer to sign Hjulmand
Amorim has already made it clear that the engine room is an area which needs reinforcements and the latest reports have stated that Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand has emerged as the club’s top priority for the role.
The United boss brought Hjulmand to Portugal and was crucial in his development there, and it is stated that his presence could help convince him of a United move.
Juventus are also in the race for the Danish international but it has been reported by Calciomercato that United have made an offer of £34 million to Sporting for Hjulmand.
That report explained that Sporting want to receive at least £43 million for the player, who does have a £69 million release clause, but Hjulmand’s camp believe that an offer in the region of what United have provided could get a deal done.
Finally, it was added that Juventus are focused on selling Douglas Luiz before considering a move for Hjulmand, which could give United an advantage.
Amorim rates Hjulmand over Ugarte
Hjulmand made 65 appearances under Rúben Amorim at Sporting between his arrival in 2023 and the manager’s move to Old Trafford the following year.
After Amorim’s appointment at Manchester United, Hjulmand spoke very highly of his former coach; praise that is clearly mutual.
Amorim is a strong admirer of the midfielder and has even previously admitted he favoured Hjulmand over current United player Manuel Ugarte.
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“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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