Man United accelerate transfer mission to sign top-class new number six - £47m ex-PL gem targeted
Man United have reportedly identified two main targets for a holding midfielder this summer.
Ruben Amorim had a number of positions that he wanted to improve this summer. After adding two number 10s in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, he now also wants to bring in a striker, a holding midfielder, and a goalkeeper.
United have identified two striker targets: Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko, but they will likely have to sell before they can go after either, as they are expected to cost over £60m this summer.
But, Amorim is also keen on a number six this summer as he aims to replace Christian Eriksen, who left the club on a free transfer following his contract expiring. It seems that Man United have found two players who could improve their midfield this summer.
Man United looking at Palhinha and Hjulmand
The Red Devils have been linked to several holding midfielders so far this summer, with their ‘number one’ target being Atalanta’s Ederson. However, it would be tough for United to afford Ederson, and the player also would like to play Champions League football. However, according to a fresh report by the Independent, Man United have identified two holding midfielders to pick between this summer. The first is Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, who previously played under Amorim at the Portuguese club.
Hjulmand made 47 appearances for Sporting last season, scoring three goals and two assists. He is a tall, physical midfielder who would help United with gaining control of possession on both first and second balls. Hjulmand is under contract at Sporting until 2028, and previous reports have said that Man United may have to pay around £43m for the 26-year-old, despite the fact that he has a £69m release clause in his contract.
The second midfielder is Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, who has been at the Allianz for just one year after he joined from Fulham last summer. The 30-year-old has struggled to get regular game time at Bayern, sparking reports that he could leave this summer. The former Fulham star would be a cheaper option, with his current market value estimated to be around £26m; however, he is older. But the benefit of signing Palhinha is that he already knows what it takes to play top-quality football in the Premier League.
He made 68 appearances in the PL during his time at Fulham, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. He is more of a possession-based midfielder rather than a physical player like Hjulmand.
Which player would suit Man United better?
Seeing as one of the key elements of Amorim’s style in central midfield is that he wants to control the possession and not allow the opposition the opportunities to get ahead in the game.
Palhinha is much more of a possession-based midfielder, which would suit Amorim’s style. Furthermore, if he were to cost under £30m, Man United might be able to afford him without making extra sales. This would be very handy, seeing as they are struggling to offload Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony.
Furthermore, United require proven Premier League players, which is why Amorim signed Mbeumo and Cunha, and Palhinha would fit that mould of player much better than Hjulmand, who has only played one season in a top-five European league (Serie A 2022/23).