Manchester United identify Manuel Ugarte alternative with Euro 2024 star under 'consideration' now

Manchester United are being linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand. According to a report by FootballTransfers, he is under ‘consideration’ and has emerged as a potential alternative to the pricey Manuel Ugarte at PSG.

The Red Devils are in the hunt for a new addition in the middle of the park and are scouring the market for possible options. Erik ten Hag’s side finished in a disappointing 8th position in the Premier League table last season but were able to win the FA Cup after beating rivals Manchester City in the final at Wembley.

Hjulmand, who is 25-years-old, could be seen by United as someone to add more competition and depth to their midfield department. He has recently been away at Euro 2024 in Germany with the Denmark national team along with Rasmus Højlund. He managed to score against England in their 1-1 draw in Frankfurt. However, his country ended up losing in the Round of 16 to the hosts Germany.

Sporting Lisbon signed Hjulmand only last year and he penned a contract until 2028. Therefore, they are under no pressure to sell him in this window and can wait for the right offer to come in for his services. He joined the Portuguese giants for an initial fee of €18million, which could rise to €21million. He made 49 appearances in all competitions in the last campaign and scored four goals.

The player has outlined his desire to play in the Premier League in the past. In an interview with Tipsbladet after he was praised by Bruno Fernandes, he said: “It’s always great to receive praise from other big profiles.

“I know he’s a former Sporting player and he’s still a big fan of the club, so it’s great to know he’s still watching. It can only make me happy to receive praise from a player like him. I’d say that it is a destination I could see myself going to in the future. Whether it’s a dream, I don’t know. But it is a goal for me to play in the Premier League one day.”

Hjulmand started his career at FC Copenhagen before making the switch to Austria as a youngster with Admira Wacker. He then broke into their first-team in 2018 and played 74 games for them, 68 of which came in the Austrian Bundesliga, and found the net on one occasion. Lecce swooped for him in January 2021 when they were still in Serie B. He quickly became a hit in Italy and helped his former employers win promotion to Serie A.

The Karstrup-born man adapted well to life in the Italian top flight and caught the eye. He was linked with a whole host of teams this time last year but it was Sporting Lisbon who won the race for his signature. They could now face a real battle to keep hold of him in the future with United now said to be keen. It remains to be seen whether a bid will be made.