Manchester United plotting fresh Sporting CP raid as Red Devils eye 25-year-old star for newly appointed Ruben Amorim: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who could add depth to the Red Devils midfield. This is according to a report from GiveMeSport that claims the links are stronger after Ruben Amorim was appointed as head coach at Old Trafford.
While the signing of the 25-year-old would add depth to the Manchester side, the Red Devils already have a fair few players in this position. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and new signing Manuel Ugarte are capable of playing the No. 6 and No. 8 positions.
Hjulmand is a similar type of player who can occupy one of the two spots in the deeper midfield area. Moreover, Sporting will have sufficient negotiating power when it comes to this move, with the midfielder contracted with his current employers till 2028.
However, the chance to work with Amorim, his previous coach, could be tempting for Hjulmand. He could also be drawn to the chance to play in the Premier League, widely considered to be the best league in Europe.
While Manchester United have had a shocking start to the new campaign, they are offering Europa League football. As far as the English top flight is concerned, they're placed 14th in the standings after nine matches.
Hjulmand only joined Sporting from Lecce in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of €19.5 million. He has made 62 appearances across competitions for the Portuguese outfit, bagging five goals and assists each.
Ruud van Nistelrooy speaks about Erik ten Hag's reaction to Manchester United sacking
Manchester United's interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy provided insight into Erik ten Hag's reaction to being sacked last week. The former Ajax boss was revealed of his duties after the Red Devils' 2-1 defeat to West Ham on October 27.
Van Nistelrooy claims that Ten Hag was disappointed with the call but remains happy with his achievements at Old Trafford. Speaking to reporters, he said (via Standard):
"Obviously, [he is] very disappointed and touched because he really cared for the club."
"I said also yesterday, in the first conversation we had for me to come back to the club with him I really felt that he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring this club forward and that's why we connected."
He added:
"That’s why he's also hurt that he had to leave but also proud of his achievements here with the two cups and obviously the history that he's leaving with that."
Ten Hag took over as Manchester United boss in July 2022 and remained in charge for 128 matches across competitions. He won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup once each at the club.