🚨Manchester United Target Sporting Lisbon Midfielder Morten Hjulmand as £50m Alternative to Carlos Baleba

 

🚨Manchester United Target Sporting Lisbon Midfielder Morten Hjulmand as £50m Alternative to Carlos Baleba

 

Manchester United’s summer rebuild under Erik ten Hag continues to gather pace, with reports now linking the Red Devils to Sporting Lisbon’s defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand. According to CaughtOffside, United view the Danish international as a more affordable alternative to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and believe that a bid of around £50 million could be enough to secure his services.

 

The development comes at a time when United are actively seeking to reinforce their midfield with a specialist defensive presence—one that can shield the back four, dictate tempo, and allow their attacking talents greater freedom.

 

 

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Why Manchester United Are in the Market for a Defensive Midfielder

 

United’s midfield, despite boasting the likes of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount, has often looked unbalanced.

 

Casemiro, while still influential, is clearly entering the twilight of his career. His performances last season were inconsistent, with injuries and fatigue taking their toll. At 32, he can no longer be expected to anchor the midfield across 50+ games.

 

Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation, but the teenager should not be overburdened with defensive responsibilities. He thrives when allowed to play progressively rather than being pinned as a destroyer.

 

Bruno Fernandes is an elite creator, but he requires the security of a solid midfield base behind him to maximize his impact.

 

 

This imbalance became glaring in games against top Premier League rivals, where United often lost control in midfield battles. To address this, Ten Hag has instructed the board to pursue a younger, energetic, ball-winning midfielder—someone who can both complement Mainoo and provide long-term succession planning for Casemiro.

 

 

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Morten Hjulmand: The Profile

 

At 25, Morten Hjulmand represents an intriguing option. Signed by Sporting Lisbon in 2023 from Lecce, he has quickly established himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in Portugal.

 

Key Attributes:

 

1. Defensive Solidity – Hjulmand thrives on breaking up play, reading opposition attacks, and intercepting passes. His anticipation and positional intelligence make him a natural screen in front of the defence.

 

 

2. Passing Range – Unlike traditional destroyers, he is comfortable in possession, switching play with long diagonals or initiating counters with sharp forward passes.

 

 

3. Physical Presence – Standing at 6’1, he uses his strength effectively in duels and aerial battles, giving Sporting stability against physically imposing opponents.

 

 

4. Leadership Qualities – Despite being relatively new at Sporting, Hjulmand has already displayed leadership traits, often dictating tempo and instructing teammates on positioning.

 

 

5. Work Rate – Known for his stamina and pressing intensity, he fits seamlessly into high-tempo systems where midfielders are expected to cover vast ground.

 

 

 

For Ten Hag, this blend of tactical discipline, technical ability, and athleticism makes Hjulmand a perfect candidate.

 

 

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Why Not Carlos Baleba?

 

Carlos Baleba of Brighton has long been admired by Manchester United scouts. The 20-year-old Cameroonian has shown flashes of immense potential in the Premier League. However, two main factors tilt the balance toward Hjulmand:

 

1. Price Tag – Brighton are notorious for driving a hard bargain. With reports suggesting they value Baleba at upwards of £70–80 million, United fear another drawn-out saga similar to past pursuits of Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister.

 

 

2. Readiness – While Baleba is talented, he remains raw. His decision-making, especially under pressure, can be inconsistent. Hjulmand, on the other hand, offers experience and maturity, being in his mid-20s and already a mainstay at both club and international level.

 

 

 

Thus, Hjulmand emerges as a cost-effective yet ready-made solution.

 

 

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Sporting Lisbon’s Stance

 

Convincing Sporting Lisbon will not be straightforward. The Portuguese giants are adept sellers, often commanding premium fees for their top talents. However, United believe that £50 million could be sufficient, particularly given Hjulmand’s relatively recent arrival and Sporting’s need to balance finances after a heavy recruitment drive last summer.

 

Sporting will undoubtedly point to recent sales of stars like Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte as evidence of the premium they demand. Yet, United’s financial muscle and the player’s openness to playing in the Premier League could sway negotiations.

 

 

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Tactical Fit at Manchester United

 

If United succeed in signing Hjulmand, his role under Ten Hag could be transformative.

 

1. Shielding the Defence – United’s backline has often been left exposed. With Hjulmand anchoring midfield, defenders like Lisandro Martínez and Raphael Varane can operate with greater confidence.

 

 

2. Unlocking Mainoo and Fernandes – Hjulmand’s presence would allow Mainoo to operate box-to-box and Fernandes to focus almost entirely on creativity, improving balance.

 

 

3. Transition Play – One of Ten Hag’s frustrations last season was United’s slow buildup. Hjulmand’s ability to receive under pressure and distribute effectively could accelerate transitions and increase attacking fluidity.

 

 

4. Versatility – He can operate in both a single-pivot and double-pivot system, giving Ten Hag tactical flexibility. In matches against tougher opposition, he could partner Casemiro or Mainoo; against weaker teams, he could singlehandedly shield the defence while allowing more attackers forward.

 

 

 

 

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Financial Strategy and FFP Considerations

 

United’s ownership structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe has placed an emphasis on smarter recruitment, with less room for bloated contracts or overpriced deals. Unlike past windows, where marquee names were pursued at any cost, this approach prioritises value.

 

At £50m, Hjulmand represents an attainable target compared to the inflated fees of Premier League rivals.

 

His six-to-seven-year peak window ensures longevity, spreading his cost over many seasons.

 

By acting decisively, United also avoid drawn-out bidding wars that could impact other areas of squad building.

 

 

This strategy aligns with United’s broader need to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) while still refreshing their squad.

 

 

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Potential Challenges

 

While the deal looks promising, several challenges remain:

 

Competition – Other European clubs, including Serie A and Bundesliga giants, have tracked Hjulmand. United will need to move quickly.

 

Adaptation – The Premier League’s intensity and physicality are higher than Portugal’s Primeira Liga. United must be patient as Hjulmand adjusts.

 

Casemiro’s Future – Integrating Hjulmand may push Casemiro to a rotational role, raising questions about the Brazilian’s long-term place at Old Trafford.

 

 

 

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Fan Reaction

 

The prospect of signing Hjulmand has sparked optimism among United supporters. Many view him as a more realistic target than Baleba, with immediate first-team impact potential. Others are cautious, recalling past signings from Portugal who struggled initially.

 

Nevertheless, the overriding sentiment is that a defensive midfielder is a non-negotiable signing this summer. If United finalize this deal, it would signal intent and address one of the squad’s most glaring weaknesses.

 

 

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Conclusion

 

Manchester United’s pursuit of Morten Hjulmand underlines a shift toward pragmatism in the transfer market. Rather than being drawn into expensive bidding wars for Premier League-proven players like Carlos Baleba, the club is targeting high-quality yet affordable alternatives abroad.

 

For £50 million, United would be securing a player entering his prime years, capable of transforming their midfield dynamics and providing long-term stability. His blend of defensive solidity, passing intelligence, and leadership could be exactly what Ten Hag needs to restore balance to a side that has too often looked fragile.

 

If completed, this transfer may not only shape United’s fortunes next season but also set the foundation for a more structured and sustainable squad-building strategy in the years ahead.

 

All eyes now turn to Old Trafford—will Morten Hjulmand be the next midfield general to don the famous red shirt?