Man Utd's Carlos Baleba alternative has Arsenal tattoo and idolises Patrick Vieira

Manchester United have made it clear they're after a midfielder before the summer transfer window closes on September 1. Ruben Amorim has welcomed several attacking additions to his squad this summer, but the United boss is said to be after a new midfielder.

Carlos Baleba was rumoured to be the Red Devils' priority midfield signing, but Brighton are expected to hold out for a fee in excess of £100million. As such, it's suggested the 20-time champions may have to explore alternative options in the middle of the park.

One of those could involve Amorim reuniting with Morten Hjulmand - a tough-tackling Danish anchorman from his former side Sporting. Hjulmand was mooted as a possible transfer target for United earlier in the summer window, but talk about a move to Old Trafford started to go quiet.

However, if United do put their foot to the floor in pursuit of Hjulmand, it could take the Dane some time to win the Old Trafford faithful around, given he's had an Arsenal crest tattooed to his arm. The 26-year-old revealed in an interview with Portuguese outlet Record that the tat was in honour of ex-Gunners icon Patrick Vieira.

He explained: "My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger." Given the tense rivalry between United and Arsenal, it could make for an awkward look if Hjulmand ever did don the famous red and black strip.

Not that Hjulmand would need much convincing, if his previous comments on Amorim are anything to go by. The midfielder was upset that the tactician left Sporting mid-season, revealing the current United manager was one of the reasons he joined Sporting.

He said last year: "It was also difficult for me to hear. I was sad that Ruben is leaving me and leaving Sporting. It is a great opportunity. I hope that Ruben is proud of himself for getting an offer like this.

"Of course, Ruben was one of the reasons why I came to Sporting. When you work with Ruben you see a clear picture. That was important when I joined Sporting - first to understand how he plays. The way that he manages the team inside the pitch and outside the pitch as well is not like I anything I have seen in my short career. I think Manchester [United] are in good hands with Ruben."