Manchester United Step Up Pursuit of Mateus Fernandes as Midfield Rebuild Accelerates

Manchester United are preparing to intensify their pursuit of highly rated midfielder Mateus Fernandes after opening discussions with the player’s representatives, as the club continues an ambitious midfield overhaul ahead of the new season.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have already established official contact with Fernandes’ camp and are now laying the groundwork for a formal approach to West Ham United, signaling growing confidence that a deal could be struck in the coming weeks.

The move comes as United seek to reshape their midfield following the departure of veteran Brazilian star Casemiro at the expiration of his contract and uncertainty surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte, who is reportedly available for transfer should suitable offers arrive.

Manager Michael Carrick is determined to strengthen the heart of his squad and has already secured the signing of Ederson from Atalanta in a deal worth £38 million. However, sources indicate the United boss wants at least one more high-quality midfielder capable of adding creativity, energy and control to his side.

While Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson remains United’s preferred target, the club has reportedly cooled its interest due to escalating costs and fierce competition from rivals Manchester City.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to have rejected a massive £105 million offer from City, a valuation that United are unwilling to match. Rather than enter a potentially expensive bidding war, the Old Trafford hierarchy has shifted focus toward alternative options, with Fernandes emerging as one of the most attractive candidates.

The Portuguese midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign despite West Ham’s disastrous season, which ended in relegation from the Premier League on the final day. His impressive performances in an otherwise struggling side have significantly enhanced his reputation across Europe.

West Ham acquired Fernandes from Southampton for £38 million only a year ago, but the player’s stock has risen sharply following a season in which he established himself as one of the club’s most consistent performers.

The Hammers are believed to value the 21-year-old at around £85 million and have so far shown little willingness to lower their demands despite their drop to the Championship.

Nevertheless, United remain undeterred.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that discussions between the club and the player’s representatives are already underway.

“Manchester United are in official contact with the agent of the player. Manchester United have already started the conversation with the agent to start preparing a bid to West Ham, so Man United are for sure in conversations with Mateus Fernandes,” Romano said.

Those developments have fueled speculation that a formal bid could arrive sooner rather than later as United look to secure their transfer targets before pre-season preparations intensify.

Adding further intrigue to the situation are reports suggesting Fernandes himself is enthusiastic about a move to Old Trafford. Journalist Shaun Connolly claims the midfielder has indicated that Manchester United would be his preferred destination should he leave West Ham this summer.

The prospect of remaining in the Championship for another season appears unattractive to the talented midfielder, who has now experienced relegation in consecutive campaigns after previously spending time with Southampton before joining West Ham.

Despite the disappointment of relegation, Fernandes’ individual displays were widely praised. He started all but one Premier League match for which he was available, demonstrating remarkable consistency, maturity and endurance for a player still only 21 years old.

His technical quality, composure under pressure and ability to dictate play have made him one of the most sought-after young midfielders in English football.

For Manchester United, securing Fernandes would represent another major statement in their squad rebuild. For West Ham, however, losing one of their brightest talents would be a significant blow as they prepare for life in the Championship.

With negotiations gathering momentum and the player’s preference seemingly clear, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Fernandes becomes the latest star to make the move to Old Trafford.