United's hidden advantage in race for £70m star after Ruben Amorim comments

One of Ruben Amorim's former charges is reportedly a target for Manchester United as they look to bolster their midfield options, and the Red Devils boast a secret weapon in the chase

While Christian Eriksen may have drawn the curtain on his Manchester United career, he could still prove instrumental in the club's transfer plans this summer. Or at least regarding the destiny of one rumoured transfer target in fellow Dane Morten Hjulmand.

The Sporting CP midfielder is reportedly on United's wish list as they look to bolster the engine room. And Eriksen, who departed this summer following three years at Old Trafford, might assist his former club in securing his own successor.

The Manchester Evening News report Juventus and Manchester City are also vying to snap up Sporting's defensive midfielder. Nevertheless, Portuguese daily A Bola suggested they will allegedly only permit their star to depart if his £69million release clause is activated.

That sum could prove too steep for United to complete a deal this summer, though Eriksen's sway might tip the scales in their direction. Hjulmand, who was also on United's wish list last summer, regards his international colleague as a mentor figure, while his existing bond with Ruben Amorim will also strengthen his position.

Despite severing ties with the Red Devils this summer, Eriksen seemed to leave on excellent terms. And he was especially praising of Amorim and his contribution since taking over from Erik ten Hag last autumn.

"The manager has come in with new ideas," said the Danish stalwart in March. "He's a very honest guy, straightforward, and we're just trying to adapt and get into the system and the habits in his style of play.

"He's a good manager. With a bit more belief like we had in the second half, we could create chances, commit more people offensively and then we got a few chances."

Sporting are set to pocket a tidy profit for Hjulmand should they receive anything close to his release clause, whether that materialises this summer or in the near future. The defensive midfielder arrived in Portugal from Italian side Lecce during the summer of 2023, with the club securing his signature for a reasonable £17m fee.

He claimed the Primeira Liga title under Amorim during his debut campaign at the club before being handed the captain's armband in July 2024. That appointment demonstrates the admiration Amorim holds for the player and his leadership abilities, and it seems the sentiment goes both ways.

Hjulmand would also be reunited with fellow Danes Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu and Chido Obi in Manchester. And he has previously outlined the beneficial impact Amorim has had on his development, saying he was "sad" to see him leave Lisbon.

"Ruben was one of the reasons why I came to Sporting," said the midfielder during the international break last November. "When you are coached by him, you get a clear idea of the way he sees football and how he sees us being part of the team.

"It's a very important image for the player, to know what his role is, what he can contribute to the team. It was very important when I joined Sporting. The way he sees the players, how he manages the team on and off the field... it's something I've never seen in my career. Manchester United will be in good hands with Ruben."