Manchester United have completed two sensational signings this summer so far, but Ruben Amorim wants more.
Speed of transfer dealings aside, the business that Manchester United have managed to do has been top class, and Ruben Amorim couldn’t ask for two better forwards.
However, despite the goals and creativity that have been added in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, there remain gaping gaps within the squad which must be filled by September 1st.
Among these positions is a number nine, with Rasmus Hojlund still not guaranteed to spend next season at the club.
However, when speaking about his desires after the 0-0 draw with Leeds, Amorim explained his United midfield needed more pace, a concern which has been on fans’ minds for the past two seasons.
Now, one of the major options to fulfill this demand has become a lot more difficult to sign.
Latest on Manchester United’s pursuit of Morten Hjulmand
When it comes to signing a midfielder, United have been linked with numerous options this summer already; however, among the strongest links have been for Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand.
In terms of what a midfield signing would need to bring, Hjulmand is almost perfect for Amorim, and this is hardly a shock given the pair worked together at Sporting to such success.
United in Focus‘ chief transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, has now commented on the pursuit of Hjulmand, whom United ‘love’.
“Morten Hjulmand is a player Ruben Amorim knows and likes. He was one whom he told the club about when he first arrived.
“And he does fit what United want. Sources confirm they want the defensive midfield type player – more a holder, something they don’t really have – although Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo can play that role to a certain extent.
“However, Hjulmand, according to Sporting, they are not selling – if you want Hjulmand or anyone other than Gyokeres, you will need to pay their release clauses, and at €80m (£69m) for the Dane, that makes it unlikely.”
Bailey added that United’s interest in Francisco Trincao suffers a similar fatal blow. Neither are worth their release clauses compared to other options, and so this should all but conclude United potentially shopping at the Portuguese giants.
Manchester United should be aiming higher for a midfielder
Amorim once admitted he preferred Hjulmand to Manuel Ugarte, but United can do better this summer, with physicality among the biggest factors that a new midfielder must have.
Lamine Camara would be the best choice for United this summer when accounting for potential and the reasonable price he could be available for this year.
If more cash becomes available, there are also Premier League options on the table.
Amadou Onana could be available from Aston Villa amid their financial PSR troubles, and signing the Belgian would be a huge upgrade and a potential future partner for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
Carlos Baleba would be the top priority if at all possible; however, he would likely command a fee of £100m or more.
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