Man United set sights on move to sign £50m midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Manchester United eye midfield overhaul as Amorim identifies key targets

Amorim shapes Manchester United’s January priorities

Manchester United’s transfer plans are already gathering momentum ahead of the January 2026 window, with manager Ruben Amorim keen to reshape the core of his midfield. According to TeamTalk, United’s recruitment team are fully aligned with Amorim’s philosophy of blending physical intensity with technical precision, and the Portuguese coach has identified five targets capable of executing that vision.

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The headline name is Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, a 26-year-old Danish midfielder who played a vital role in Amorim’s title-winning side in Lisbon. Sources close to TeamTalk suggest that Hjulmand is “absolutely loved” by Amorim, who believes the Dane’s blend of tenacity, passing range, and tactical intelligence would immediately elevate United’s midfield.

United are said to be optimistic about landing Hjulmand for around £50 million, well below his £70 million release clause. Sporting’s amicable relationship with their former manager could prove crucial in negotiations, and there is a growing sense that this could be a move both clubs view as mutually beneficial.

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Multiple midfielders on United’s shortlist

While Hjulmand remains the priority, United’s scouting department has also shortlisted Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The 21-year-old Englishman has earned widespread praise for his composure and control, with comparisons drawn to Declan Rice. Palace’s valuation, however, is expected to exceed £70 million, and their strong domestic form could make any mid-season deal difficult.

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Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is another name under discussion. The 21-year-old Cameroonian has impressed scouts across Europe, but Brighton’s near-£100 million price tag and long-term contract until 2029 mean that any January move appears “too difficult,” according to TeamTalk.

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Emerging options and calculated risks

Elsewhere, United retain interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham, who has found minutes limited in Germany. A loan return to the Premier League could provide an opportunity for both player and club, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

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Another option is Porto’s Victor Froholdt, a 22-year-old Dane excelling in the Champions League. United have been tracking his progress closely, with his contract situation potentially offering an affordable solution should primary targets prove unattainable.

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Amorim’s blueprint is clear: midfielders who can combine physicality with composure, aggression with intelligence. Each of the five players under consideration fits that mould, providing a clear indication of the identity Amorim seeks to instil at Old Trafford.

Financial balance and transfer strategy

United’s ambitions, however, will be shaped by the financial realities of the modern market. With Premier League PSR limits tightening and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS-led ownership group advocating for a sustainable approach, the club may need to offload players before executing any major moves.

Even so, the optimism surrounding Amorim’s early months is palpable. He has already re-energised the dressing room and set new standards on the training pitch. Securing one or more of these midfield targets would underline his authority and accelerate United’s efforts to re-establish themselves among the elite.

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The idea of Amorim reuniting with Hjulmand feels logical, almost inevitable, given how well the pair worked together at Sporting. Supporters have grown frustrated with inconsistency in midfield since the departures of stalwarts like Michael Carrick and Nemanja Matić, and Hjulmand’s arrival could finally bring the balance between steel and subtlety that has been missing for years.

Fans would also appreciate the ambition shown by targeting Wharton and Baleba, two players who represent the Premier League’s future. However, there is a lingering concern about transfer execution. United’s track record in recent windows has been mixed, with inflated valuations and protracted negotiations often stalling momentum.

Many will view this as a defining window for both Amorim and INEOS. Bringing in a midfielder who truly fits the manager’s system could transform the way United play, bridging the gap between raw potential and elite performance. If Amorim can pull off even one of these signings, fans will feel that the project has finally found its direction again.