Manchester United consider two alternatives to Carlos Baleba

Manchester United are considering Morten Hjulmand and Adam Wharton after calling off their pursuit of midfielder Carlos Baleba. 

Manager Ruben Amorim has been trying hard to avoid the fate of previous United managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. 

He will be happy with the club’s transfer activity so far this summer, as they have signed Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. 

But the Portuguese boss still wants to bring in a central midfielder before the September 1 transfer deadline.  

United made official contact with Brighton & Hove Albion for Baleba, but Fabian Hürzeler’s side made it clear they do not want to sell the 21-year-old this summer. 

After ending their pursuit for Baleba, the Manchester titans are now considering Hjulmand and Wharton as alternatives, per The Athletic. 

There is an appreciation for Hjulmand who captains Amorim’s old team Sporting Lisbon. 

Wharton is also highly rated at Old Trafford and the Premier League club could consider making a move for him. 

The Crystal Palace star has made huge strides since leaving Blackburn Rovers to come to South London in 2024. 

He has helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield in his 18 months at the club. 

The England international has made 45 appearances in all competitions, with six assists to his name. 

But a deal for Wharton is expected to be difficult as Palace are said to value the midfielder very highly and could demand an enormous transfer fee. 

Hjulmand has been a key first-team player for Sporting since Amorim brought him to the club to replace Manuel Ugarte. 

He has helped his team win two Portuguese top-flight titles, featuring in 99 games and scoring eight goals. 

But Sporting have already sold Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, and they will likely be very reluctant to lose their captain as well. 

Stats from Transfermarkt