Transfer News: Manchester United Push Hard to Sign Sporting’s £34m Defensive Midfielder
Transfer News: Manchester United have an interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who looks set to become available this summer. According to Portuguese publication cmjornal, the Red Devils are currently leading the race for the Sporting captain and pushing hard to get this deal over the line. This transfer news has gathered serious momentum in recent weeks, with multiple outlets confirming United’s intent.
The 26-year-old Denmark international carries an €80 million release clause in his contract, but he could be signed for a considerably more reasonable fee, with Sporting CP prepared to sanction his departure if an offer of €40–50 million is presented. That translates to roughly £34 million, which is precisely the figure United are working around.
Manchester United need a quality defensive midfielder as they prepare for life after Casemiro, and Hjulmand, who averaged 6.1 balls recovered per game, 2.2 tackles per game, and 0.8 interceptions per game, fits the profile of a defensive professional in his prime.
Manchester United are leading the race for the midfielder, despite links with Manchester City, and the player himself is reportedly pushing for a move to the Premier League. The competition is genuine, though. José Mourinho has reportedly asked Real Madrid to consider signing Hjulmand, with the Portuguese club demanding around €50 million for their captain. Beyond that, Tottenham, Atlético Madrid, and Juventus are expected to enter the conversation at some point this summer.
Manchester United are returning for Hjulmand in 2026 after a previous pursuit stalled, partly because Sporting had already lost Viktor Gyökeres and were reluctant to weaken their squad further. This time, with Hjulmand entering the final two years of his contract, the situation looks markedly different, and the club appear far more open to selling.
My Independent Opinion on This Transfer News
This move makes genuine sense for Manchester United, and the fee is fair given the market. Hjulmand delivered 51 tackles, 218 recoveries, and 40 interceptions across all competitions in the 2025–26 season, which demonstrates the defensive intelligence that Casemiro simply no longer provides at this stage of his career, although he is leaving.
Carrick’s preference has been for a 4-2-3-1 formation with a passing-intensive style, built around frequent short passes and structured positional play. Hjulmand is a good option for the system as he reads spaces quickly, recycles possession cleanly, and wins the ball without gambling out of position. Carrick has made Manchester United look defensively organised again, and solving the low-block problem remains his most urgent challenge.
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A disciplined, press-resistant six sitting in front of the defence is exactly the missing piece. Realistically, this deal should happen. United will not pay €80 million, but £34 million for a 26-year-old Champions League-tested captain is excellent value.
