Manchester United are reportedly encountering obstacles in their pursuit of Ruben Amorim’s top transfer target, Morten Hjulmand, with several factors expected to complicate any potential deal.
Softfootball understands that Manchester United prioritised strengthening their attack when the summer transfer window opened, securing Matheus Cunha as their first signing.
The 26-year-old forward, who netted 15 Premier League goals last season will play a significant role at Old Trafford moving forward. United are also targeting Bryan Mbeumo, and adding both Cunha and Mbeumo would provide a major boost to Ruben Amorim’s attacking unit.
Plans to sign a new striker and midfielder are also well known, though those signings will depend on outgoing transfers, which are appearing difficult right now.
United’s problems this summer all come down to the inability to sell, and it should have been something the Reds expected when they entered the market. It was rumoured that they were hoping to get over £150 million from the sales of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho.
Now, that sounds like a fantasy and it seems like they’d simply be fortunate to sell any of them permanently, with loan approaches still coming in.
There are several midfielders, such as Richard Rios and André, who are linked with moves to Old Trafford but it seems like Amorim would prefer to work with one of his former Sporting stars again.
According to reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola, United boss wants to sign Morten Hjulmand to bolster his midfield unit. Hjulmand joined Sporting while the 40-year-old head coach was in charge and has since become their captain after proving to be a pivotal player.
While there is no approach yet, the Danish international is said to be at the forefront of Amorim’s plans although there is a clear issue with any deal. The aforementioned report explained that Sporting are calm about the situation as they are only willing to sell their star player if his £69 million release clause is activated.
Considering United’s issues so far this summer with sales, it seems unlikely that the club can generate enough cash to afford a deal for Hjulmand. Softfootball reported earlier that Manchester United face surprise competition from Celtic for top Premier League star.
Celtic are reportedly ready to battle Manchester United to sign Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin who is a free agent after turning down contract extension at at Goodison Park.
The England international is keen to secure a big move for himself and has been offered to various Premier League clubs by intermediaries, including Man Utd.
