Man United and Tottenham 'in race' to sign £51m machine who would transform Ruben Amorim's midfield

Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could be sold this summer to generate ‘pure profit’ with regards to Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Any sale of Mainoo could also help United to fund their summer transfer business to build a squad capable of performing in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, something that has been a big talking point around his current squad this season.

Mainoo was linked to Chelsea in the January window, and if he is sold in the summer, United will need to find a suitable replacement who can play in the holding midfield role alongside Manuel Ugarte.

Man United enter race for Morten Hjulmand

One player that Man United has reportedly identified Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand as a potential replacement for Mainoo, as he has links to Amorim. The United boss previously coached Hjulmand at Sporting, and also signed him from Serie A side Lecce for a fee of £16m. He is now expected to have a market value of £39m.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham are all considering a move for the Danish midfielder this summer, and that they are all hoping to pay less than his €80m release clause. Hjulmand has made 42 appearances for Sporting CP this season in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists. He also has 15 caps for the Denmark national team.

Due to his height and physical presence, the 25-year-old's natural position is defensive midfielder. However, he can also play as a centre-midfielder with more of a creative role, should that fit United’s system better.

The report says that Man United’s interest isn’t as strong as Arsenal and Tottenham as things stand, however, any sale of Kobbie Mainoo could increase their pursuit of Hjulmand, as they will need to find a replacement. Amorim previously described him as a “fantastic player” during his time at Sporting CP.

Could United keep Mainoo this summer?

Mainoo has all the ability and potential to be a top player for Amorim in the future, however, the financial concerns mean that the Red Devils may have to commit to selling him this summer. As previously mentioned, Chelsea were reportedly interested in Mainoo in January. However, United wouldn’t sell him for less than £70m, and so they may not be able to find a buyer for him.

United are reportedly considering a contract extension for the midfielder, with mentions of a deal worth around £100k per week. However, the 19-year-old reportedly wants a figure closer to £180k per week, something that Man United will be unable to match. That said, they may be able to afford Mainoo’s demands after selling Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho, who are all set to leave in the summer following the conclusion of their loan deals.

In other news, Manchester United might have already replaced two players who will leave this summer.