Amorim now at risk of missing out on influential target ‘loved’ by Fernandes unless he breaks key transfer promise

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·28 November 2024

Amorim now at risk of missing out on influential target ‘loved’ by Fernandes unless he breaks key transfer promise

Ruben Amorim has been urged to utilise his Sporting Lisbon ties in order to pip Manchester City to a longstanding transfer target – but it may result in him burning bridges with his former club.

Indeed, Manchester United are now rumoured to be facing competition from their cross-city rivals in pursuit of dynamic midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

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It’s not the first time the Reds have found themselves linked with Hjulmand, though their interest has yet to materialise in the form of an official bid or approach. GiveMeSport claims that the club had drawn up plans to make their move at the end of the season, but such hopes to sanction his arrival could well be scuppered after the Blues established their intent to make a mid-season swoop.

City enter Hjulmand race – much to Amorim’s dismay

(Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Now on an unprecedented run of being winless in six straight matches, it appears as though Pep Guardiola has instructed the City hierarchy to open their chequebook in January and bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign. They’re already eight points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League and sit 17th-placed in the new-look Champions League standings, so there’s no surprise that the Spaniard is pressing the panic button behind the scenes at the Etihad.

While United may not be able to offer the same funds as City in the winter, their chances of persuading Hjulmand of a move to Old Trafford are said to have ‘increased’ following Amorim’s appointment.

The 25-year-old, who is reportedly ‘loved’ by Red Devils talisman Bruno Fernandes, accumulated 65 appearances under Amorim throughout his time in Portugal and, in July 2024, was promoted to club captain following the departure of Sebastian Coates.

There’s no doubt that Amorim could convince the Dane to join him in Manchester and play an integral role in the project he’s building. However, it would mean U-turning on one of the first promises he made after his appointment; amidst reports linking United to the likes of Hjulmand and prolific goalscorer Viktor Gyokeres, the boss vowed that he would avoid signing any Sporting players in the upcoming window out of respect for his former club.

If he sticks to his guns, City may just have a free pass at their new target.