Manchester United are being linked with Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand as they eye improvements to their central midfield
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim(Image: Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
Manchester United’s reported new target Morten Hjulmand had a confrontational meeting with Ruben Amorim before the Portuguese head coach left to join the Reds last season.
At the end of October, United chose to sack Erik ten Hag after a historically bad start to the Premier League season. Immediately, Ineos knew who they wished to contact as his replacement and within a week, plans had been made to appoint Amorim.
The Portuguese arrived at the club during the November international break, leaving Sporting in the midst of a title battle and midway through the campaign. It is understood that Amorim was told he must leave immediately or miss out on the United job entirely.
Speaking to A Bola, Hjulmand explained how he reacted to the news that Amorim was leaving.
“We feel disappointed with his departure,” the Danish defensive midfielder said.
“We were on a run of 11 consecutive wins, doing very well in the Champions League. Everything was very clear to everyone on the pitch.
“I told him in front of the other players that we were disappointed with his departure. We were counting on him to help us all fight for the second title.
“He himself said the same thing at the start of the season. But afterwards, I also told Ruben that we understood his decision.”
Morten Hjulmand shakes hands with Ruben Amorim just days before his move to Manchester United was confirmed
This clear disappointment did not hinder Sporting too deeply. Powered on by Viktor Gyokeres’ goals, the Lisbon club won the league and the Portuguese Cup, but it appears Amorim’s departure is still having an impact.
TEAMtalk understands that United are interested in Hjulmand to improve their midfield, and Amorim has approved his arrival. It is thought the Dane is eager to leave the club this summer in the aftermath of Amorim’s departure last year.
His signing is not considered to be a cheap option for the Reds, though. It is believed that Sporting could want as much as £52m for their defensive midfielder.
Despite his confrontation with Amorim in November, Hjulmand does not think less of his old boss. “Many players wanted to stay at Sporting with Ruben Amorim because he is a great coach,” the Dane concluded back then, and it appears he could have the chance to reunite with him once more.
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