Manchester United currently sit third in the Premier League under Michael Carrick, who stepped in earlier this year after Ruben Amorim’s departure. The Red Devils are coming off a frustrating 2-1 loss to Leeds United at Old Trafford on 14 April 2026, which is a result that took some wind out of their sails with just six games left.
Even with that slip-up, the team are still well-placed to grab a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, the board is still considering whether to give Carrick the job full-time. Decision-makers at the club are reportedly looking at other options now that news has broken that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will be moving on this summer. Hence, the vibe at Carrington is a bit of a toss-up between focusing on the next match and planning for a busy summer window.
Manchester United target Sporting star for midfield reinforcement
Pete O’Rourke, Football Insider, reports that Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand is pushing for a Premier League move this summer, and Manchester United has emerged as the favourite to sign him. The 26-year-old Denmark international has spent three seasons in Portugal and feels ready for a new challenge at the top level. Manchester City had looked at the Dane previously, but they’ve switched their attention to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, leaving Michael Carrick’s side with a clear run at the deal.
Hjulmand has put up solid numbers this term, with 2 goals and 4 assists in 25 Liga NOS games. His passing stats are among the best around; he averages 65.61 passes per game with a 90.85% success rate, while his expected assists (xA) of 0.28 per 90 minutes put him in the top 5 per cent of the league.
United see Hjulmand as the replacement for Casemiro, who recently signed a massive €80 million-per-season deal with Inter Miami. While his contract includes an €80 million release clause, there is reportedly a gentleman’s agreement in place that would allow him to leave for closer to €50 million.
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Should Manchester United prioritise Hjulmand over younger domestic talents?
Manchester United should go all-in for Morten Hjulmand. He brings exactly the kind of tactical grit and European pedigree the squad is missing in that holding role. Young domestic targets like Elliot Anderson have plenty of upside, but Hjulmand is the finished article; he knows how to run a game for a winning side like Sporting. With Casemiro heading out, there’s a huge gap in leadership and stability that a younger player might find hard to fill under the bright lights of Old Trafford.
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Hjulmand’s passing stats show he’s more than just a ball-winner; he’s a smart playmaker who can get the team moving forward quickly. Getting a proven international captain for €50 million is a steal in today’s market. United can’t afford to spend another year rebuilding the midfield, and Hjulmand is the safest bet to keep them in the top four while modernising their style of play. To win in the Premier League, you need a combination of toughness and composure, and the Dane has plenty of both.
