Breaking News: Erik ten Hag revealed real reason why £69m midfielder won’t join Manchester United as he’s named club’s new captain

Over the weekend, at one of Europe’s larger clubs, there was something akin to a “passing of the baton,” to use Olympic terminology.

And when he took up the captain’s armband from his outgoing captain, Manchester United’s chances of enticing one possible Casemiro substitute to Old Trafford were dealt yet another setback.

There’s a reason why, despite Man United’s increased focus on their midfield needs, Morten Hjulmand’s name hasn’t been mentioned as frequently as, say, Manuel Ugarte, Youssouf Fofana, or Martin Zubimendi.

Hjulmand is not in a hurry to leave Sporting Lisbon, despite the fact that he has made no secret of his desire to play Premier League football at some point in the future.

“A transfer is not something I’ve considered,” Hjulmand stated to Record in May. “There are constant rumours regarding various players, coaches, and teams. It’s typical.

“A player shouldn’t invest their time or energy on it. We have too many games to play, therefore we should be concentrating elsewhere—here, on our daily lives.

“I can honestly say that my time at Sporting has been amazing right now. I still have a long-term deal with Sporting, I like living in Portugal, and I truly enjoy going to training every day. I want to stay at the club, of course!

“Perhaps the time will come to visit the Premier League one day. However, I’m content with my life at Sporting and where I am right now.

Even though Hjulmand was previously described as “very happy,” his pride in being named Sporting’s new captain will undoubtedly prevent the former Lecce player from changing his mind.

Hjulmand, who captained Lecce in Serie A previously, will now take the helm at Sporting, who will win the Portuguese Primeira Liga in 2024–2025.

In front of an overflowing Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday, where Sporting fans had gathered in large numbers to say an emotional goodbye to the former Liverpool centre-back, he accepted the armband from the leaving Sebastian Coates.

Greetings, admirers of Sporting KC. “I am at ease now that I have realised my dream of becoming a champion with this team,” Coates remarked, putting the armband around Hjulmand’s bicep.

Hjulmand, who has a £69 million release clause in his contract and has been compared to a “younger version of Casemiro,” doesn’t seem to be saying goodbye to the club’s supporters in person for at least another year.

Since Hjulmand announced his intention to remain in the Portuguese city, his connections with Man United, Tottenham Hotspur, and other teams have cooled.

Former Sporting player Bruno Fernandes, the captain of United, has praised highly of a man who scored his country’s opening goal against England at Euro 2024 with a long-range screamer.

Hjulmand seems uninterested in joining Fernandes at Old Trafford anytime soon, despite the fact that he was thrilled to win the respect of one of the best midfielders on the planet.

It’s always wonderful to hear positive feedback from well-known people.

It’s wonderful to know he’s still watching because, as far as I know, he was a player for Sporting in the past and is a huge supporter of the team. I can only be pleased to hear such positive feedback from a player as him.