The fierce rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City is set to spill over into the summer transfer market, with both clubs reportedly preparing to battle for the signature of Sporting CP‘s influential midfielder, Morten Hjulmand. According to reports from the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the Danish international has become a top target for both Premier League giants, igniting what promises to be one of the most compelling transfer sagas of the window.
For Manchester United, the interest is heavily driven by new manager Ruben Amorim. Having coached Hjulmand at Sporting, Amorim is intimately familiar with the midfielder’s qualities and leadership, having made him a cornerstone of his successful team in Lisbon. New managers often seek to sign trusted players to help implement their system, and Hjulmand represents the perfect on-field lieutenant for Amorim. The Dane’s defensive discipline, tenacity, and tactical intelligence are exactly what United need to bolster an engine room that Amorim has identified as a priority for reinforcement.
Manchester City’s interest, meanwhile, stems from their relentless pursuit of excellence and squad depth. With a demanding schedule across multiple competitions, securing a high-quality alternative and competitor for Rodri is seen as a strategic priority. Furthermore, signing Hjulmand would not only strengthen their own squad but would also serve the dual purpose of preventing their closest rivals, Manchester United, from acquiring a player who could significantly close the gap between the two teams.
The stage is now set for a tense negotiation battle. Sporting CP are in a commanding position, able to leverage the interest from two of the world’s wealthiest clubs to demand a premium fee. For Morten Hjulmand, the choice is stark: a reunion with his trusted former coach at a rebuilding Manchester United, or the chance to join the trophy-winning machine at Manchester City. His decision will undoubtedly send ripples across the Premier League landscape.