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After years of neglect, Manchester United finally signed a defensive midfielder last season with Casemiro on board and the Brazilian was a revelation as the Red Devils ended their trophy drought by clinching the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League through third place. finish in the Premier League.
Coach Erik ten Hag then decided to modify his tactical system before his second season at the club, asking his players to try to carry the ball higher up the pitch.
This system saw the former Real Madrid superstar isolated at the base of midfield with his fellow midfielder moving into the attack and even him trying to join in.
The result? The opposition attackers had the freedom of the entire center of the park as they counter-attacked with abandon as the five-time Champions League winners struggled to keep up with their runners.
Midfield struggles
The new system requires a much more energetic presence than that of the Brazil international, who seemed to have lost a meter of pace this campaign.
Deadline loan signing Sofyan Amrabat has also struggled to fill the void and there are currently no plans to offer him a permanent contract at the end of the current campaign.
Another younger, more energetic defensive midfielder is the need of the hour and United have now been linked with Sporting Lisbon star Morten Hjulmand, who has been scouted numerous times this season by the club’s scouts.
The Sun claimed the 20-time English league champions had proposed a swap deal with Facundo Pellistri going the other way in a bid to drive down the Danish international’s price.
The Portuguese giants have rejected the approach and have insisted that the Red Devils pay their entire termination clause if they really want it.
“Manchester United have offered Facundo Pellistri in an exchange for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand. But the offer has been rejected by the Portuguese club as they wait for the Red Devils to activate their £69million release clause.
“Man Utd have seen defensive midfielder Hjulmand at least six times this season. The offer of Uruguayan international Pellistri, who has played nine league games this season, is not accepted by Sporting.”
Wheelman transfer plans
In 23 appearances in all competitions this season, Hjulmand has one goal and two assists.
In 14 appearances in the Portuguese league, he created 11 chances playing in a deep role and made 29 tackles, highlighting how he can bring a mix of silk and steel to the midfield.
The 24-year-old is said to be friends with current United midfielder Christian Eriksen, who he considers a mentor who helped him progress through the Danish ranks.
Having Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund will help the former Lecce star acclimatise at Old Trafford if he decides to leave Portugal for Manchester.
Ten Hag is clearly not a big fan of Pellistri as he has struggled to get minutes despite Antony’s poor form and is now being used as a makeshift player.
