Ruben Amorim green lights major Man United transfer deal – Report | OneFootball

Man Utd Plot Midfield Overhaul Ahead of January Window

Manchester United appear determined to make January 2026 a statement window as the club continues to back Ruben Amorim’s evolving project, according to TeamTalk.

Hjulmand Reunion Top of Agenda

Sporting Lisbon powerhouse Morten Hjulmand has emerged as Amorim’s preferred signing, with TeamTalk reporting that the midfielder is “absolutely loved” by the United boss from their time together in Portugal. The 26-year-old Dane was instrumental in their title-winning campaign, anchoring midfield with intelligence and controlled aggression.

Photo: IMAGO

United are said to be optimistic about landing Hjulmand for around £50m, even though his release clause stands at £70m. The relationship between Sporting and Amorim may aid negotiations, and there is a growing feeling that a reunion at Old Trafford is more than just speculation. His arrival would inject balance into an area United have struggled to stabilise for years.

Wharton and Baleba Remain Firm Options

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is firmly on the list, with TeamTalk describing the 21-year-old as “admired for his composure and likened to Declan Rice”. The fee could stretch past £70m in January, especially with Palace chasing European football again.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is similarly rated, although sources believe he may be “too difficult” mid-season due to his contract running until 2029 and a price tag approaching nine figures. That said, United have not walked away.

Photo IMAGO

Youth Pathway Under Consideration

There is also an opportunistic edge to this shortlist. TeamTalk report that United have “reaffirmed their interest in Jobe Bellingham”, with the 20-year-old open to a loan return to England after struggling for game time at Borussia Dortmund.

Porto’s Victor Froholdt adds another future-driven option. At 22 and already impressing in the Champions League, his contract situation could force Porto into a sale.

Recruitment Strategy Reflects Amorim’s Philosophy

Amorim is building a midfield around physicality, intelligence, and press resistance. Every name listed fits that mould. However, the inflated winter market and PSR limitations mean United may need outgoing transfers to unlock business.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing is no secret, but the key question is timing. Can United strike aggressively in January, or will plans be staggered into summer 2026?

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is it. This is the moment Manchester United start acting like Manchester United again. For years we have watched rivals control games with elite midfielders while we patched holes with temporary fixes. Now Ruben Amorim wants warriors who can dictate football matches rather than chase them.

Bringing back Morten Hjulmand would be sensational. If Amorim trusts him enough to build another midfield around him, that says everything. His passing range, his work rate, his leadership, that is the sort of presence Old Trafford has missed since the days of Michael Carrick.

Adam Wharton? Sign him and let him grow next to Casemiro and Hjulmand. Carlos Baleba? Pay whatever Brighton want, he is a monster in midfield and exactly the profile to dominate Anfield and Etihad battles. Jobe Bellingham on loan would be pure box office, especially with the World Cup coming.

Victor Froholdt? Fine, grab him too. Stack the midfield with energy and quality. Imagine Bruno Fernandes feeding runners instead of constantly defending transitions.

This is not scattergun recruitment. This is a top manager targeting players who fit his system. If United pull off even two of these deals, the rest of the league will panic. January 2026 could be the window that announces the start of the Amorim era, not as a project, but as a force.