- Man Utd interested in Mateus Fernandes
- West Ham midfielder could cost £60-70m
- Fans in two minds over fee
Manchester United fans aren’t too enthused with the prospect of spending £70m on West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ben Jacobs has told The United Stand that Fernandes could be sold for around £60-70m especially if the Hammers are relegated. The East London outfit would be “open” to this price range and the inclusion of add-ons.
Manchester United are expected to make at least two midfield signings this summer. Their main focus is replacing Casemiro, and they have higher-profile names in mind.
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Man Utd Learn Mateus Fernandes Price
United have been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. They have many obstacles in their way of signing either of the duo.
Anderson seems to be preferring a move to rivals Manchester City, who are also keen on the English star. As for Tchouameni, the Frenchman will have to push for a switch to Old Trafford for Madrid to sell.
Fernandes falls in the second category of INEOS’ midfield rebuild. He has been hugely impressive for West Ham this season, posting five goals and four assists in 40 games across competitions.
The 21-year-old is primarily seen as a central midfielder and wouldn’t be a viable heir to Casemiro. But he ticks plenty of boxes for Michael Carrick, who looks set to be handed the head coach job permanently.
If Fernandes were to arrive alongside a more established name such as Tchouameni or Anderson, it could take United’s midfield to the next level. Manuel Ugarte’s future is also an important factor, as the Uruguayan appears headed for the exit door.
That could mean three new faces arrive in the middle of the park and Fernandes might well be one of them. The only problem is that Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly come into the picture and his likely availability seems to have alerted many top European clubs.
How Man Utd fans feel about Fernandes’ £70m fee
While most United fans acknowledge how talented Fernandes is and what he can bring to Carrick’s midfield, they aren’t convinced about paying a £70m fee. That price does take a chunk out of the club’s transfer budget.
One fan responded to Jacobs’ report on X: “£60M-£70M for Mateus Fernandes with add-ons in there is pure football tax if West Ham go down, that fee gets ugly fast.”
Another fan wrote: “He ain’t worth that much, £30-£40 million max, he aint Anderson, Tchouameni, Tonali or Guimaraes, his not even on their level. Utd might aswell re-sign Garner, his way better.”
One added: “40mil max if the go down, anything more would be absolutely crazy.”
Some fans disagree and are happy for United to swoop at around £60-70m.
That was the verdict of one who wrote: “I think £60m is a fair deal Apart from Anderson, Tonali, Tchouameni and Guimaraes; Fernandes is better than everyone else.”
Another added: “Realistic price if they go down. Fernandes looks quality, young with huge potential. Hope we move quick before Arsenal jump in.”
Fernandes has over four years left on his contract with West Ham but he looks set to be on the move this summer. Whether United are prepared to pay the aforementioned asking price remains to be seen.
