Sporting captain and defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days
Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand showed it was business as usual for him this week as he scored in the Portuguese club’s friendly victory over Villarreal on Friday night.
At the beginning of this week, Manchester United were linked with a move for the Danish midfielder as they looked to sure up the centre of the park. The 26-year-old was claimed to be on United’s radar by TEAMtalk, who ran an article later that week suggesting Manchester City would provide stern competition to the Reds for Hjulmand.
United have yet to strengthen the defensive midfield this summer having signed Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Bryan Mbeumo for the first team. Ruben Amorim had a strong relationship with Hjulmand prior to his exit from the club in November.
The Dane admitted afterwards that he, and his team, were disappointed in Amorim for leaving for United midway through the campaign. However, he later stressed that he understood the decision to move to Old Trafford.
There have been reports that Hjulmand has been pining for a move away from Sporting since Amorim’s exit. However, if this is the case, he is not letting it show on the pitch.
Hjulmand scored and captained Sporting as they lifted their first silverware of the summer with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal. The Lisbon club lifted the Trophy of Five Violins at full-time with the Dane leading the muted celebrations.
Should United be interested in a move for Hjulmand this summer, they may find it difficult to get the deal done. Sporting’s president Frederico Varandas has already driven a hard bargain for Viktor Gyokeres this summer and may be reluctant to allow another one of his star players leave.
Meanwhile, all indications seem to be that United are prioritising a centre-forward ahead of the big kick off. This is despite Amorim insisting that he would be happy if no new striker was signed between now and the end of the transfer window.
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