The dawn of the 2025/26 Premier League season has brought both challenge and promise to Manchester United under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim. While an opening day defeat might not be the desired start, there are nascent signs of potential, particularly with the impressive debut of Matheus Cunha. The £62.5m forward showcased his dribbling prowess against Arsenal, hinting at the attacking dynamism he brings. Yet, as the September 1st transfer deadline looms, the club`s hierarchy remains intently focused on strengthening a critical area: the midfield.
The Expensive Alternatives: Baleba and Wharton
In the relentless pursuit of midfield reinforcement, Manchester United`s radar has swept across several high-profile targets. Chief among these was Brighton and Hove Albion`s prodigious talent, Carlos Baleba. The 21-year-old Cameroonian, fresh from 34 Premier League appearances last season, was undeniably at the top of the Red Devils` wishlist. However, the Seagulls, known for their shrewd transfer dealings, set a staggering asking price in the region of £100m. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler`s steadfast declaration that Baleba would remain at the AMEX effectively closed that chapter, forcing United to recalibrate.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace emerged as a compelling alternative, possessing a similar profile to Baleba. However, the narrative remained consistent: a price tag also hovering around the formidable £100m mark. After a significant £200m spending spree already, committing another nine-figure sum to a single midfielder, no matter how promising, appeared to be a bridge too far for Manchester United`s current financial framework. The football world, ever hungry for the next blockbuster signing, might be surprised to find that sometimes, the most astute acquisitions aren`t the ones breaking the bank.
A Pragmatic Pursuit: Morten Hjulmand Enters the Frame
As the clock ticks towards the transfer deadline, a more pragmatic, yet equally intriguing, option has gained significant traction: Sporting CP`s Morten Hjulmand. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed United`s continued interest in the Danish international, a player intimately familiar with Ruben Amorim`s tactical philosophy, having spent two productive years under him in Liga Portugal.
Crucially, Hjulmand himself is reportedly keen on a reunion with his former boss. This mutual interest, combined with Sporting`s more accessible valuation of approximately €50m (£43m), presents a considerably more palatable proposition for Manchester United. It`s a testament to strategic recruitment when a club pivots from aspirational, perhaps over-priced, targets to a player who offers both proven quality and a pre-existing understanding with the coaching staff, all at a sensible fee.
Hjulmand: Manchester United`s Own Rodri?
The moniker “their own Rodri” is a weighty comparison, particularly when discussing Manchester City`s indomitable midfielder, widely considered one of the world`s elite defensive anchors. Rodri`s instrumental role in City`s recent dominance is undeniable, providing the shield, distribution, and tactical intelligence that underpins their success. While the original article references a fictional 2024 Ballon d`Or win for Rodri and a subsequent injury, the essence of the comparison lies in the player profile and on-field impact.
Enter Morten Hjulmand. While not yet a household name on Rodri`s scale, analytics platform FBref has highlighted striking similarities between the two, with Hjulmand even outperforming the Spaniard in several key defensive metrics during the 2023/24 campaign. Analyst Ben Mattinson aptly describes Hjulmand as “complete,” a testament to his multifaceted defensive capabilities.
The numbers speak volumes:
| How Hjulmand & Rodri compared throughout 2023/24 (per 90 minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Hjulmand | Rodri |
| Games played | 30 | 34 |
| Goals & assists | 5 | 17 |
| Tackles won | 1.6 | 1.3 |
| % of tackles won | 58% | 48% |
| Blocks made | 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Interceptions made | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Take-ons completed | 67% | 65% |
| Recoveries made | 7.3 | 7.2 |
| Fouls drawn | 1.3 | 1.0 |
Hjulmand`s superior statistics in percentage of tackles won (58% vs. Rodri`s 48%), blocks made (1.2 vs. 0.9), and interceptions (0.9 vs. 0.8) underscore his formidable defensive presence. He consistently wins the ball back, stifles opposition attacks, and exhibits an impressive ability to recover possession – qualities that Manchester United currently crave in their midfield engine room under Amorim. While Rodri clearly dominates in direct goal contributions, Hjulmand`s defensive acumen highlights his potential to be the lynchpin, the unsung hero who enables attacking play by providing essential stability.
Conclusion: A Shrewd Investment?
In a transfer market often driven by headline-grabbing fees, the pursuit of Morten Hjulmand represents a calculated, perhaps even astute, move by Manchester United. His established relationship with Ruben Amorim, combined with his impressive defensive metrics and a relatively modest £43m valuation, could make him the vital piece of the puzzle. If Hjulmand can indeed replicate his ball-winning and protective qualities in the Premier League, providing that crucial defensive anchor, then Manchester United may well have found their equivalent to Rodri – a player who transforms the team not with flamboyant goals, but with the quiet, consistent excellence that underpins sustained success.
