Sporting manager Rui Borges is not worried about the links that surround the most vital part of his side amid interest from Manchester United.
As with any managerial appointment, Manchester United have often been linked with players from Ruben Amorim’s former side, Sporting CP. From Viktor Gyökeres to Geovany Quenda, the links never go away.
United have had a mixed start to the season and will be hoping that they can build on the positives from the wins against Sunderland and Liverpool.
Despite the mixed start, two consistent positives have been the summer signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who have largely played in roles that were similar to what they were used to in their former clubs.
Links to former players of Amorim are not surprising as the club searches for players who play in roles that suit this unique system.
Borges “won’t panic” about Hjulmand’s links to United
Morten Hjulmand continues to attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and after captaining the side to a Liga Nos win last season, it is easy to see why. He can fulfil multiple roles in the midfield and often shows clear leadership skills that many United fans have cried out for.
After being repeatedly asked about the midfielder’s links to United specifically, Rui Borges dismissed the links and is not entertaining the rumours ahead of Sporting’s Champions League match against Marseille.
Speaking to the press, Borges said: “Hjulmand is Hjulmand. Our leader, captain. He won’t always be at his best, but he’s always important. He demands of himself and his teammates every day. As for United, it’s October, and I’m focused on Marseille.”
When asked about the rumours himself in September, Hjulmand echoed his manager’s sentiment. “They’re talking about rumours, but I don’t identify with them,” said the Dane after speaking to Ojogo.
What would Hjulmand add to United?
Amorim’s system requires a lot from his two midfielders. While being confident defensively and in their duels, they need to be comfortable on the ball, able to pass through the lines, and cover a lot of ground.
While individually the likes of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte can do specific parts of what is expected from them, it is yet to be seen whether they can do it all. Hence, the constant headache that Amorim has about who he plays alongside Bruno Fernandes, who, himself, is not the perfect fit to the system.
The Danish midfielder’s biggest strength is that he knows this system inside out. He is a proven player under Amorim and would seamlessly fit into the way United want to play.
However, the challenge for Hjulmand would be whether he could adapt quickly enough to perform consistently in the Premier League, something many of the big signings across the league have struggled with.
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