Sporting midfielder shows why he is wanted by Manchester United

Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand has been voted as the Primeira Liga Midfielder of the Month for November, ahead of Benfica’s Fredrik Aursnes and Okun Kokcu.

Hjulmand, who was linked with Manchester United in the summer transfer window, was voted by the Primeira Liga coaches as the standout midfielder last month.

He started three games for Sporting in November and scored his first goal of the campaign in the 4-2 win over SC Braga.

The 25-year-old has started all but three matches in the Primeira Liga this season. The only games he has missed were as a result of an ankle injury.

He was named in the Portuguese top-flight Team of the Season last term and has continued his impressive form for Sporting this season.

The arrival of manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford may reignite the Red Devils’ interest, but his valuation could prove to be a hindrance.

Hjulmand would improve Man United’s midfield

Hjulmand is a defensive midfielder, but he is not only combative like Manuel Ugarte but can also make good use of the ball.

He has recorded 2,167 progressive passes this term in the Primeira Liga, which is miles ahead of Ugarte, who has registered 878 in the Premier League.

Hjulmand has also delivered 68 passes into the final third, while Ugarte has registered 20, though the latter has played one fewer game.

One noticeable flaw from the Red Devils’ matches under Amorim is the lack of a midfielder who can progress the ball, and Hjulmand would provide a solution to that.

He is valued at €40 million, but he has close to four years left on his current contract with Sporting, which could make him unaffordable for the Red Devils.

Stats from Fbref.com and transfermarkt.com.