While most of the Manchester United supporters are still enjoying that high from the weekend after that win against Liverpool, there is still this impending need to do something about the midfield at the first chance that arises. And that is where the decision-makers at Carrington are planning to use that winter transfer window.
If we are to consider the current situation, then the Manchester Reds have Casemiro, whose form is a bit inconsistent, and the fact that Ugarte is not quite stamping his authority on games just yet. And many think Mainoo is quite offensive, minding to do his defensive duties well.
This is where the need to bring in a presence that can be quite effective on the defensive side of things in the middle of the park is important. And this is where United’s pursuit to bring in Morten Hjulmand comes into the picture.
He is someone who is quietly becoming one of the most consistent and technical players in that second phase around Europe. And while Sporting Lisbon are looking for a fee around that £70m release clause for his signature, United are optimistic to get a deal done for around that £50m fee.
But at such a fee, you’d think what United are exactly getting, given how they were burnt with Ugarte not too long ago already.
What does Hjulmand bring to the table in tactical terms?
Given the current chain of development, he is showing all traits of being a technically secure figure who can bring a lot to the current roster at M16.
The current squad at Carrington desperately needs someone who comes in and starts controlling the game from the cuff. But he does so while maintaining a structure that Ruben Amorim always prioritises to preserve. So he comes in and takes over this sole pivot role in the middle of the park.
He is someone who doesn’t really prefer chaos. So you forget all the flashy interceptions and flying tackles that you expect of Casemiro. Hjulmand is cut from a different cloth. He is not about chasing shadows or diving into every duel.
The 26-year-old prefers to build his defensive game around his positioning and then anticipate how the opponents are trying to get through. So he tries to sniff this danger out early and then tries to get the possession back with minimal fuss, but not blindly though; he ensures to protect the centre-back duos while doing so.
Now this is quite a measured way of playing, something that Man United don’t have at the moment. United have lacked this kind of quality, as we have seen how this side has been exposed a few too many times this season. And introducing a bit of restraint and awareness can end up making a big difference.
And the Sporting Lisbon skipper is also not about adventurous passes. But he excels in his ability to play through the press and keep the ball moving. He is quite consistent when it comes to passing in short to mid distances. And while this could sound really basic, it lays a solid groundworkfor teams that are looking to control games.
In the current Manchester Reds squad that has looked to rush into the next pass in almost all sequences, you can use his calmness. He can not only help contain the possession but also slow the tempo when needed. And while he will not be a chief creator, his presence and passes will help the creators on the side.
And he carries himself like a leader in the middle of the park. There is a reason that Sporting Lisbon gave him that armband so quickly. He is always organising things and setting standards. And let’s be honest, United could use that right now.
Now when I say leader, I don’t mean he is the loudest on the pitch. But he has this presence which brings calm and discipline to those around him. And this is what at times has been missing when things have gone south for United in recent seasons.
Is £50m a worthy fee for Morten Hjulmand?
So if we go about this from the current market, then forking out £50m for someone who is tactically reliable but approaching prime-age defensive midfielder isn’t bad, especially given that he will be anchoring the midfield at M16 for the next five years or so.
We have seen players like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez go for a fee which is quite significantly more, but they have far less polish. And if we also look at the fees that someone like Baleba or Adam Wharton would come for, suddenly spending those fifty odd doesn’t look too bad for Hjulmand.
He does look like a fantastic possible signing if he replicates his performances in the Portuguese league at United.