Manchester United continue to weigh up their midfield options even after the summer window has closed.
Ruben Amorim has made no secret of his desire to build a long-term project at Old Trafford, with key areas of the squad still in need of investment.
The Red Devils have been linked with several midfield reinforcements, including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Atalanta’s Ederson.
United scouts were also present during Denmark’s 1-1 draw with Scotland on Friday, a match that featured several players of interest to the Premier League giants.
Attention has now returned to one player who slipped through the club’s grasp in the most recent transfer window.
Morten Hjulmand, captain of Sporting CP, has confirmed he will remain in Lisbon for another season despite strong interest from Manchester United and Juventus.
The 26-year-old midfielder, under contract until 2028, was seen as a possible reunion candidate for Amorim, who previously coached him in Portugal.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas admitted that Hjulmand had “several offers” and was “lost to Italy” at one point, before the club managed to convince him to commit for at least one more campaign.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that Sporting are already preparing for life after their captain, with Francisco Trincao expected to inherit the armband when Morten Hjulmand departs.
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United had explored the option of triggering his £69million release clause, but it has since expired, leaving Sporting in a strong position to dictate his price.
Although the midfielder is not expected to leave on the cheap, he would still command a smaller fee than Baleba, who Brighton continue to value in the nine-figure region.
Hjulmand has featured in all four of Sporting’s Primeira Liga matches this season, captaining Rui Borges’ side through three wins and one defeat.
He also played the full 90 minutes for Denmark in their clash with Scotland, while United wing-back Patrick Dorgu was left on the bench.
United, meanwhile, remain patient in their midfield search, with Hjulmand’s expected departure next summer keeping him firmly on the club’s radar.
