Manchester United are now leading the race to sign a Champions League captain for incoming permanent manager Michael Carrick, according to Correio da Manha.
Man United are on the verge of appointing Carrick on a full-time basis after he led the club to Champions League football with three games to spare in the Premier League, having beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool along the way.
The 44-year-old is set to be offered a two-year deal with an option for a third after Sir Jim Ratcliffe backed the move, having been supported by the likes of club captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire for the job.
Once Carrick’s appointment is confirmed, work will need to start on making sure the former Middlesbrough boss has a squad capable of competing in the Premier League alongside the Champions League next term.
Red Devils chiefs are looking at strengthening multiple positions across the pitch, including left-back competition for Luke Shaw, a striker should Joshua Zirkzee leave, and a new goalkeeper if Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana both depart Old Trafford.
United’s main priority is in central midfield though, with the club reportedly looking at bringing in up to three new faces in the position should Manuel Ugarte join Casemiro through the Old Trafford exit door.
Hjulmand Exit From Sporting Lisbon Gaining Momentum
According to Correio da Manha, the departure of Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand this summer is gaining momentum, as he prepares to make his return from injury in the closing stages of the season.
The Portuguese outlet claim that Manchester United and their Premier League rivals Arsenal are in pole position to sign the 26-year-old, who came close to leaving Sporting last summer before reaching an agreement with the club to stay.
That agreement was that he would be able to leave Sporting this summer for €40m despite having a release clause worth €80m in his contract that expires in 2028.
Hjulmand is currently on the sidelines with a foot injury, but he could make his return in Sporting’s final league game of the season against Gil Vicente on Saturday.
Sporting, who need a point to secure second position, then face Tooreense in the Portuguese cup final, which could be Hjulmand’s farewell match.
Morten Hjulmand Price Tag is Attractive
In a Premier League market where United are reportedly facing mammoth asking prices for players like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, Hjulmand is an interesting option.
The ‘monster’ Denmark international is a 26-year-old captain who has made 19 appearances in the Champions League, as well as playing at the top of the Portuguese league and in the Bundesliga.
United appear to be looking for a top-class replacement for Casemiro who may come in at a high price point of around £70-80m, but if they are also looking for a player worth around £30-40m too, then there won’t be many better options on the market this summer than Hjulmand.
One player said to be available for a similar price is Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who it’s reported has ‘said yes’ to a move to Old Trafford this summer.