Back in November, Ruben Amorim was appointed Manchester United boss after leading Sporting CP to multiple Liga Portugal titles during his spell in charge.
Given his success during his time in the role, it’s understandable that he would want to take the talents he managed across to the Premier League with him.
Viktor Gyokeres was seen as the main target after registering 54 goals across all competitions last campaign, but the Red Devils have missed out on his signature after the Swede joined Arsenal this summer.
He’s not the only player from such an outfit to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, with winger Geovany Quenda previously on their radar before completing his own move to fellow English side Chelsea.
Missing out on both players would’ve been a huge disappointment, but the boss could be encouraged with other work being conducted within the market ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Benjamin Sesko has been a player who’s emerged as a key target for United this summer, as Amorim looks to inject added quality into his forward line during the off-season.
Talks have already been held with the RB Leipzig striker’s representatives over a deal for the 22-year-old who’s currently on their radar of fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand a player of huge interest to Amorim, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.
Their report claims that the Red Devils have been keeping a close eye on his progress, already submitting a €40m (£35m) bid to sign the 26-year-old Danish midfielder this summer.
It also states that the player himself would be extremely keen on a reunion with his former manager, but would need to wait for an agreement to be struck between the two clubs.
Why United’s £35m target would be perfect for Sesko
As previously mentioned, United are closely monitoring a move for Sesko this summer, with the Slovenian international seen as a key target for the centre-forward position.
The 22-year-old managed to score 21 times across all competitions last season, offering the side the needed focal point they’ve been lacking after scoring just 1.15 goals per game last season.
Such a signing could prove to be an expensive one, however, with his current employers demanding a fee of up to £80m to part ways with their current talisman during the off-season.
It’s unclear whether Sesko himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, but the hierarchy pursuing a move for his signature highlights the ambition they have to take the side up a level in 2025/26.
However, should he move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, he could be aided in his attempts by Hjulmund, with the Sporting star possessing real quality that could provide him with numerous chances in the final third.
When delving into his underlying stats from the recent campaign, the Dane has showcased his excellent ability with and without the ball, subsequently able to offer a key option in the middle of the park.
Hjulmand, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by one analyst, completed 90% of the passes he attempted, 6.7 of which per 90 were into the final third, having the tools to provide Sesko with opportunities he needs for success.
|
Morten Hjulmand’s stats for Sporting CP (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
28 |
|
Goals & assists |
4 |
|
Pass accuracy |
90% |
|
Progressive passes |
6.4 |
|
Passes into final third |
6.7 |
|
Key passes made |
1.1 |
|
Take-on success |
62% |
|
Tackles won |
1.5 |
|
Recoveries made |
6.5 |
|
Aerials won |
56% |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
His talents with the ball are further reflected in his tally of 1.1 key passes per 90, whilst also completing 62% of the take-ons he attempted, evidently being more than capable of thriving under pressure.
However, despite his ability on the ball, the 26-year-old has also demonstrated his talents at regaining the ball, winning 1.5 tackles per 90, and subsequently being able to do the dirty work before having an impact in forward areas.
£35m for a player entering the prime years of his career could prove to be an excellent pickup for the Red Devils, especially considering he knows exactly what Amorim expects from his side.
If he can replicate such performance levels in Manchester, he would be a phenomenal pick-up and one that could allow Sesko to thrive in his own debut campaign if he also made the move to England.
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