Man Utd’s pursuit of Manuel Ugarte has hit a stumbling block as they struggle to agree on a price with Paris Saint-Germain. This has led the club to explore alternative transfer targets for the upcoming season, with Morten Hjulmand emerging as a potential option.
Hjulmand, a highly-rated 25-year-old midfielder from Sporting Lisbon, has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. United scouts have been closely monitoring his performances, and recent reports suggest that the club is now intensifying their interest in him.
The Denmark international is believed to have a release clause worth £67.5m in his current contract. This hefty price tag reflects his talent and potential, making him an attractive prospect for United. It’s worth noting that Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and former Sporting player, is a big admirer of Hjulmand.
However, Hjulmand himself has hinted that he may be content staying at Sporting. During Euro 2024, he downplayed the transfer speculation, stating that he already plays for a “very big team.” He also expressed his love for Sporting’s midfield, including himself and Hidemasa Morita, emphasizing their importance to the team’s tactical organization and ball possession.
Meanwhile, the stumbling block in Ugarte’s potential move to United lies in the disagreement over the transfer fee. United and PSG have been unable to reach a consensus, with the French club standing firm on their valuation of €70m. Additionally, United may need to offload some players before making new signings, especially after their recent £52m acquisition of Leny Yoro.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that although United have agreed on personal terms with Ugarte, there is still work to be done on the club side. He also mentioned that there is nothing imminent regarding the deal.
In conclusion, as United face challenges in securing the transfer of Manuel Ugarte, they are turning their attention to Morten Hjulmand as a potential alternative. While Hjulmand has expressed his satisfaction at Sporting, United’s interest in him remains strong. The negotiations between United and PSG for Ugarte are ongoing, and the club may need to offload players before finalizing any new signings.