It’s one thing for Manchester United to be outplayed at the Etihad, but being outclassed away at a struggling Brentford side raises even more concerns, especially after allowing 31 shots against Thomas Frank’s team.
Erik ten Hag’s main issue during the match was the midfield, with Scott McTominay delivering a worryingly poor performance that underscored the urgent need for reinforcements.
With Christian Eriksen and Casemiro expected to leave this summer, the Red Devils must look for a long-term replacement for Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield.
Manchester United’s Search for a Midfielder
According to sources from Portugal (via Record), Manchester United is competing with Barcelona for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who had a promising first season in Lisbon. Both clubs have been monitoring the former Lecce player in anticipation of a summer transfer, although no formal offers have been made yet.
This follows a report from The Sun in January, suggesting that United might consider sending Facundo Pellistri to Sporting as part of the deal to secure the 24-year-old, while Sporting waits to see if anyone activates his £69 million release clause.
How Does Hjulmand Compare to Casemiro?
Journalist Dean Jones has described Hjulmand as a player who could “play alongside Mainoo for years to come,” potentially providing the defensive presence United needs at the base of the midfield. This would allow Mainoo to thrive in a more advanced role. Mainoo, who impressed during his first senior international start against Belgium, appears suited for a box-to-box midfield role, with former teammate Anthony Elanga likening him to Paul Pogba.
Mainoo is not the traditional holding midfielder that many, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have suggested he is, thus necessitating a dominant force to complement him. Writer Zach Lowy expressed interest in Hjulmand as an “absolute monster” who possesses the physicality, positional awareness, and vision to excel as a lone holding midfielder.
Current Form
Hjulmand has been effective in the league this season, scoring three goals, providing three assists, maintaining an 87% pass accuracy, and creating four ‘big chances.’ Defensively, he wins 54% of his duels and averages 5.1 recoveries per game, according to Sofascore.
In contrast, Casemiro, the veteran Brazilian, has scored once and assisted twice in the Premier League, with an 83% pass accuracy and only two ‘big chances’ created. Defensively, he has won 49% of his duels and averages 4.8 recoveries per game, despite a better record for tackles per match (3.1 vs. 1.9).
The most notable distinction is how easily Casemiro is bypassed in midfield, averaging 2.2 dribbles per game in 16 league appearances, compared to Hjulmand’s 0.7. This disparity highlights the need for a change this summer, with Hjulmand potentially being the unexpected upgrade Manchester United seeks.