- Manchester United earn update on Premier League mdfielder
- If the side stays up the deal will be off
- Could United pull off a cheap move?
Manchester United have received an update on Premier League midfielder Mateus Fernandes, as the Red Devils continue searching for a cheaper midfield option ahead of the summer transfer window, with the club eyeing a move for the Portuguese star from West Ham United.
The midfielder arrived in East London as the third most expensive signing in the club’s history, and despite West Ham’s disastrous campaign, Fernandes has emerged as one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise bleak season.
Since David Moyes departed the club, West Ham have spiralled backwards. Moyes guided the Hammers to the UEFA Conference League title in his penultimate season—the club’s first major honour in 43 years—before finishing ninth in his final campaign in charge.
Since then, the decline has accelerated. The Hammers dropped to 14th the following season and now sit trapped in the relegation zone, staring at their first fall into the Championship in 14 years.
Should Nuno Espirito Santo’s men go down, Fernandes could become an extremely valuable cut-price option for United.
READ: Latest Manchester United news and updates
FOLLOW: Read Man Utd on Facebook, Instagram and X
Man Utd in ‘Talks’ With Fernandes
An update has now arrived on the situation, with Ben Jacobs telling The United Stand that Manchester United have held ongoing discussions regarding the Portuguese midfielder, whilst Mateus himself remains open to the move.
The transfer, however, hinges entirely on West Ham’s survival. If the Hammers avoid relegation, Fernandes will remain firmly embedded in their long-term plans, making any potential deal significantly more difficult unless United decide to overspend.
Born in Olhao, Mateus Fernandes holds Portuguese nationality and shares a strong admiration for one Manchester United player in particular. That player, unsurprisingly, is Bruno Fernandes.
During the March international break, Mateus Fernandes spoke glowingly about one of his footballing idols, sparking rumours across the football world about a possible move to Old Trafford.
“The biggest one [role model] right now is Bruno [Fernandes] because of the player he already is. Back when I was at Sporting, I looked up to him and tried to learn from him. He plays in the same league as me, he has a lot of experience with the national team, and, in the Premier League, I try to watch him a lot. Without a doubt, he stands out.”
United For Mateus?
Joining Southampton from Sporting Club in 2024, this would not be the first time Fernandes leaves a sinking ship. But this time, he could join a side that will be fighting for Europe next season.
Across 39 games this season, the midfielder has scored five goals and assisted four times, showing his ability to get forward. His real strength, however, comes with his anchoring of the defence.
A powerful ball-carryer and a top-tier defensive contributor, Fernandes recovers 5.1 balls per game, makes 2.8 tackles per game, and is yet to make an error leading to a goal this season.
With West Ham entrenched in the relegation zone, the Portugal international may once again be looking to force his way out of a side facing the drop, just as he did with Southampton last season.
