Manchester United will not sign Mateus Fernandes this summer after the midfielder agreed a deal to sign for Tottenham Hotspur.
This is a big blow for the Red Devils as they were locked in talks for the Portuguese international.
However, Rio Ferdinand believes Michael Carrick and co will now launch a move to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, who is currently with the France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Midfield reinforcements are important at Old Trafford this summer, but an £85m outlay on Fernandes would have depleted their transfer kitty.
That said, Ferdinand believes Manchester United will pay a similar fee for Tchouameni if he becomes available and is willing to join.
Aurelien Tchouameni tipped for Manchester United transfer
After Casemiro’s departure, the Red Devils don’t have a top-quality player to play at the heart of their midfield.
Fernandes isn’t an out-and-out defensive midfielder by trade, but his all-action ability made him an intriguing choice.
With the West Ham United man set for a move to Tottenham, Ferdinand feels Manchester United should launch a move for Tchouameni.
“I’ve woken up to the news that Fernandes from West Ham could be going to Spurs, 80, 80 million, huge money, it’s thrown me,’ Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“I think Manchester United and Arsenal have made it very clear, they have a stance in this window, they’re not going to overpay for people who they don’t feel they should.
“You know what, I’m going to put my neck on the line, I think Man United are holding up their money, they’re holding the money back for one man and that’s Tchouameni.
“If he becomes available in this market, Man United are not going to miss, they can’t afford to miss that one. They may let another couple slip through the bag if the price isn’t right.”
A dream signing for Manchester United
Tchouameni has been a key player for Real Madrid and France over the past four seasons and is an experienced campaigner.
Manchester United could do well with a player of his pedigree and skill set as they aim to become a force to be reckoned with once again.
The Red Devils have signed a handful of players from Real Madrid in recent years and could well look to repeat their trick.
However, it remains to be seen if the French international is in the market this summer as Real Madrid’s plans remain unclear at this stage.
Jose Mourinho has returned to the club and will look to assess his squad in the coming weeks before making a decision.
We can’t fault Ferdinand’s logic, though, as if Tchouameni becomes available, we can’t see a scenario where Manchester United don’t make a play for him.
