Manchester United are targeting West Ham ace Mateus Fernandes, but beating rivals like Arsenal to the Portuguese midfielder’s signature must be an early summer priority.
It’s shaping up to be a big summer for Manchester United after appointing Michael Carrick as the permanent head coach.
An agreement has been reached for Ederson to join United, but the Atalanta midfielder must wait until after the 2026 World Cup to complete his transfer from Serie A to the Premier League.
A bid from United for Mateus Fernandes is expected soon, but getting the deal done early would be an encouraging signal of intent from the Red Devils.
Man Utd can send clear message to Arsenal with Mateus Fernandes transfer
There are many reasons as to why United would want to get a deal done for Fernandes sooner rather than later.
After stepping away from Elliot Anderson due to Nottingham Forest’s £120 million asking price, United should be aiming to make progress on other deals before pre-season begins in July. That would help accelerate Carrick’s midfield rebuild.
The fact that Roberto Martinez overlooked Fernandes for the Portugal squad means the World Cup won’t get in the way of his future, which is a bonus for potential suitors such as Arsenal and United.
If United were to beat Arsenal to Fernandes, it would be a coup that would contribute to an improved United side next season that plans to be challenging for Premier League titles over the coming years.
It wouldn’t just be Arsenal missing out. Fernandes has been strongly linked to Real Madrid following Jose Mourinho’s return to the Spanish giants.
Moreover, with West Ham requiring approximately £100m from player sales after suffering relegation, Ineos know that striking early allows them to exploit the Hammers’ compromised negotiating position before other assets are sold to ease the club’s financial situation.
It has been reported that Fernandes’ preference is United. Now is the best time to capitalise on that.
Michael Owen approves of Mateus Fernandes transfer
Former United striker Michael Owen would like to see Fernandes at Old Trafford.
Speaking to The Metro, Owen said: “Casemiro’s shoes are big shoes to fill, aren’t they?
“And you know lots of people were writing them off but he had an incredible last two-thirds of the season and big shoes to fill.
‘Personally if I was Michael Carrick if I was Manchester United, I’d be getting Fernandes from West Ham. I think he’s very good. I think he’s exactly what they need.
‘I think they’re going to probably be gazumped with Elliot Anderson from Man City, but there’s obviously plenty of names.
“Baleba at Brighton, there’s Scott at Bournemouth and things but if it were me I would be getting Fernandes from West Ham.”
He added: “I thought he was brilliant last season.
“I watched him a lot I think he’s a very good pick. He’s reasonably young which is another massive tick.
“If you’re going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don’t want to be buying someone that’s in their late 20s.
“I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there, and the other thing is he should be gettable.
“West Ham have gone into the Championship and he’s not going to want to be playing in the Championship so I mean I would think that he’s very gettable and I think he’s very good.
“I personally would be making him my first choice.”
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