Manchester United’s Plan B: Eyeing Morten Hjulmand if Carlos Baleba Falls Through
Manchester United remain keen on Brighton’s rising star Carlos Baleba, but with the Seagulls reportedly valuing him at around £100–120 million, the club has prepared a solid backup strategy that has caught the eye.
Baleba Still the Priority… For Now
The 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has been identified by manager Rúben Amorim as the ideal dynamo to reinforce the team’s engine room, especially given Brighton’s reluctance to sell. United’s interest hinges on navigating financial fair play and structuring payments smartly, perhaps spreading costs over several years or incorporating add-ons. Some proposals reportedly even include offering Jadon Sancho in a potential swap deal.
…But Morten Hjulmand Emerges as a Trusted Alternative
If Baleba proves too expensive, United are prepared to pivot toward Morten Hjulmand, a capable and familiar option. At age 26, the Danish midfielder is Sporting CP’s captain and a trusted lieutenant of Amorim from their time in Lisbon. He’d reportedly cost around £50 million, much less than Baleba’s valuation.
Having signed him for Sporting and entrusted him with the captain’s armband, Amorim values Hjulmand’s leadership and adaptability. He starred under Amorim’s system, making 65 appearances, helping win title after title, and providing key goal contributions.
Strategic Balance and Financial Prudence
Pursuing Hjulmand not only aligns tactically with Amorim’s vision but also provides financial flexibility. The savings could be reallocated toward other key targets, like PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma or bolstering other squad areas.
Rewritten in Human Style
United Have a Backup Plan: Hjulmand Ready if Baleba Slips Away
Manchester United are still chasing Brighton’s energetic midfielder Carlos Baleba, who remains manager Rúben Amorim’s top midfield target. The Cameroonian’s youthful vigor and ball-winning prowess make him a perfect fit for United’s revamped system. But with Brighton asking £100–120 million and juggling hefty summer spending, the price tag might be too steep, even with creative payment structures in play.
That’s why Morten Hjulmand has surfaced as a serious Plan B. The Sporting CP captain not only comes at roughly half the cost, around £50 million if add-ons are structured, but he also brings leadership, familiarity, and tactical alignment. Amorim knows him well from their Sporting days, where Hjulmand thrived under his system, earned the armband, and became a driving force behind two Primeira Liga titles.
Choosing Hjulmand could free up United’s budget to chase other reinforcements, like PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma for the goalkeeping spot—without compromising financial discipline.