🚨🇩🇰 Manchester United Eye Sporting Lisbon Midfielder Morten Hjulmand as Affordable Alternative to Carlos Baleba ✍️

The transfer window continues to deliver intriguing twists for Manchester United, and the latest development has seen the club identify Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand as a potential signing. According to reports, the 26-year-old Danish international is now firmly on United’s radar as a cheaper, more pragmatic alternative to Brighton’s highly sought-after Carlos Baleba.

With United undergoing significant restructuring under new manager Ruben Amorim and sporting director Jason Wilcox, the club is determined to strengthen its midfield. However, financial constraints and ongoing negotiations with Brighton over Baleba have pushed United to explore other, more cost-effective options. Enter Morten Hjulmand — a player who ticks many of the tactical boxes Amorim requires, but at a fraction of the cost.

Why Manchester United Are Searching for a Midfielder

Midfield has been a persistent issue for Manchester United in recent seasons. While the rise of Kobbie Mainoo has injected fresh energy into the squad, and Bruno Fernandes continues to be the creative heartbeat, the balance of the midfield remains fragile.

Casemiro has struggled with injuries and consistency, leading to questions about his long-term role.
Christian Eriksen is entering the twilight of his career and can no longer be relied upon to deliver week in and week out at the highest level.
Scott McTominay, though hardworking, is more of a squad player than a consistent starter.

Ruben Amorim’s tactical system demands a midfield anchor — someone capable of shielding the defense, winning duels, and distributing efficiently. Carlos Baleba was identified as the primary target, but Brighton’s valuation has made negotiations difficult. This is where Morten Hjulmand emerges as a serious candidate.

Who Is Morten Hjulmand?

Hjulmand is a 26-year-old Danish defensive midfielder who currently plays for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. He joined Sporting from Lecce in 2023 and has since established himself as one of the league’s most reliable midfield anchors.

Playing Style

Ball-Winning Ability: Hjulmand is combative in midfield, excelling at intercepting passes and breaking up opposition attacks.
Positional Discipline: He rarely strays too far forward, maintaining the structure his team needs.
Passing Range: While not as flashy as a playmaker, Hjulmand’s distribution is efficient, often keeping the game ticking.
Leadership Qualities: He has captained sides before and is respected for his professionalism and tactical intelligence.

In many ways, he embodies the type of midfielder Manchester United have lacked since the prime years of Nemanja Matić — a reliable shield in front of the defense who can also transition the ball forward calmly.

Why Hjulmand Is Seen as an Affordable Alternative

The financial aspect of this pursuit cannot be ignored. Brighton are notorious for driving a hard bargain when it comes to selling their top players. With Carlos Baleba, reports suggest they are demanding a fee north of £60–70 million, a figure United are reluctant to pay given their other transfer priorities.

Hjulmand, on the other hand, represents a far more cost-effective solution:

Sporting Lisbon value him at around £35–40 million, nearly half the cost of Baleba.
At 26, he brings maturity and experience, meaning less risk compared to a 20-year-old like Baleba who is still developing.
United believe that Hjulmand could be slotted directly into the starting XI, offering immediate stability.

In the era of strict financial fair play (FFP) regulations, this kind of pragmatism could prove crucial for United.

Ruben Amorim’s Influence on the Pursuit

Interestingly, Ruben Amorim himself knows the Portuguese league better than most, having managed Sporting Lisbon before taking charge at Old Trafford. His familiarity with the league and its players is said to be influencing recruitment decisions.

Amorim is reportedly a strong admirer of Hjulmand’s work rate and tactical discipline, having faced him multiple times in Portugal. It is no surprise, then, that United have turned their eyes toward a player their new manager already respects and understands.

Comparing Hjulmand and Baleba

While Baleba and Hjulmand play in similar positions, they bring slightly different qualities to the table:

Carlos Baleba (20, Brighton):
- Pros: Younger, higher ceiling, explosive physical attributes, and strong dribbling ability.
- Cons: Inexperienced, expensive, and still prone to inconsistency.
Morten Hjulmand (26, Sporting Lisbon):
- Pros: Experienced, disciplined, affordable, and ready-made for first-team football.
- Cons: Lower resale value due to age, less dynamic than Baleba.

Ultimately, the choice reflects United’s current priorities: do they want to invest heavily in a long-term project, or do they want a reliable, immediate solution?

Potential Impact on Manchester United’s Midfield

If United do sign Hjulmand, it could have significant implications for how Amorim sets up his side.

Defensive Solidity: Hjulmand’s presence would allow United to defend with greater organization, protecting a backline that has often been exposed.
Freedom for Mainoo and Fernandes: With Hjulmand anchoring midfield, players like Mainoo could be given more license to progress forward, while Fernandes could focus more on creativity.
Rotation Options: Hjulmand’s arrival could also provide valuable competition for Casemiro, ensuring United are not overly reliant on the Brazilian.

This balance is something United have lacked, and Hjulmand might be the missing piece to fix that puzzle.

Fan Reactions

The links to Hjulmand have sparked mixed reactions among the fanbase:

Some fans welcome the idea, pointing out that he is exactly the type of disciplined midfielder United need to stabilize their performances.
Others are skeptical, viewing Hjulmand as a “budget option” that could paper over cracks rather than addressing long-term issues.
A portion of the fanbase also argues that United should not settle for alternatives but rather push harder to sign Baleba, who represents more upside.

As always with Manchester United, any transfer speculation divides opinion — but Hjulmand’s name has certainly added intrigue to the conversation.

The Business Perspective

From a financial standpoint, Hjulmand makes sense. United have multiple areas of the squad that need reinforcement — including defense and attack. Spending £70 million on a single midfielder could compromise other transfer plans. By targeting Hjulmand, the club preserves funds to strengthen other areas while still addressing a key need.

There is also the matter of risk management. Baleba’s potential is undeniable, but potential does not always translate into performance. Hjulmand, while less glamorous, is a proven quantity.

Could This Move Happen?

Reports suggest that United are in the monitoring phase, with no official bid submitted yet. However, their interest is serious, and Sporting Lisbon are aware of the Premier League’s financial power.

One obstacle could be Sporting’s reluctance to lose a key midfielder, especially given their ambitions to challenge for domestic honors and compete in Europe. Yet, as history has shown, Sporting are a selling club when the price is right.

If United move decisively, Hjulmand could become a Red Devil before the transfer window closes.

Conclusion

The story of Manchester United’s midfield rebuild continues to evolve, and the emergence of Morten Hjulmand as a target is the latest chapter. While the Danish midfielder may not generate the same excitement as a marquee name like Carlos Baleba, he represents a smart, financially responsible, and tactically sound option.

Ruben Amorim knows exactly what he is getting with Hjulmand, and in a squad desperate for balance, that certainty may prove invaluable. The question now is whether United will act on this interest and bring him to Old Trafford — or whether they will continue to chase the expensive dream of Baleba.

One thing is clear: Manchester United’s midfield shake-up is far from over, and the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping the club’s fortunes for the season ahead.