Erik ten Hag Given Green Light to Pursue Top Transfer Target, But There’s a Catch
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly been given the thumbs up to continue his summer rebuild at Old Trafford. The Dutchman has already secured two new arrivals, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, from Bologna and Lille respectively, for a combined outlay of £88.5 million.
However, United’s pursuit of PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte has stalled in recent days, leading ten Hag to explore alternative options. One of the alternatives identified by the club is Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
According to a report from Portuguese outlet Correio Da Manha, United are pursuing a deal to sign the Danish midfielder. Hjulmand arrived at Sporting last season as a replacement for Ugarte and served as an integral component in Ruben Amorim’s side, making 30 appearances as they were crowned Liga Portugal champions.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly been given the green light to pursue a deal to sign Morten Hjulmand
However, Sporting Lisbon are said to be unwilling to sell the midfielder for less than his £67.5 million release clause. Hjulmand still has four years remaining on his current deal at Sporting, and the club views him as “untouchable”.
The midfielder began his career in his native Denmark before making his senior debut with Austrian side Admira Wacker. He would go on to join Italian side Lecce, helping the club gain promotion from Serie B before a £15 million move to Sporting last summer.
Hjulmand’s form at Lecce earned him his first international call-up, and he has since made 10 appearances for Kasper Hjulmand’s side. After being named in Denmark’s squad for Euro 2024, Hjulmand appeared in all three of their group stage games and netted his first international goal to equalize in their 1-1 draw with England before being ruled out of the Round of 16 through suspension.
Hjulmand netted his first international goal as Denmark drew 1-1 with England at Euro 2024
United are determined to bolster their options in the centre of midfield after Casemiro struggled to maintain consistency alongside Kobbie Mainoo last season. The Brazilian has been linked with a move away this summer, though any interested club would need to be able to meet his wage demands, making a move to the Saudi Pro League his most likely destination.
Meanwhile, despite not taking up the option to buy as part of Sofyan Amrabat’s loan stay at the club, the Moroccan midfielder may still secure a permanent move to Old Trafford.
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Erik ten Hag ‘given the go ahead to pursue top transfer target’… but the Man United boss will need to meet one condition to land the ‘untouchable’ star