Former Manchester United target Mateus Fernandes has revealed how Roberto De Zerbi played a major role in convincing him to join Tottenham Hotspur.
United pushed hard to sign the midfielder from West Ham earlier this summer, but Fernandes eventually completed an £85million move to Spurs.
Sky Sports reported at the time that Manchester United were competing strongly for Fernandes, having previously identified him as a priority midfield target.
However, Tottenham moved decisively and agreed West Ham’s £85m asking price. Sky added that United were unwilling to overpay and had doubts over whether Fernandes genuinely wanted the Old Trafford move.
Mateus Fernandes explains Manchester United transfer decision
Fernandes has now revealed how important De Zerbi was in persuading him to choose Tottenham.
Speaking to The Athletic, via Metro, the 22-year-old explained that Spurs’ new manager spoke regularly with both him and his family throughout negotiations.
“The way he spoke with me and my family was very important for me,” Fernandes said.
“He was calling me every day, so I’m very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things.”
De Zerbi even told Fernandes’ parents that he would look after their son in England. That personal relationship appears to have played a significant part in Tottenham winning a transfer battle United had previously been well placed to compete in.
Pedro Porro also helped Spurs.
Fernandes revealed that his former Sporting Lisbon teammate contacted him and encouraged him to make the move, discussing the club, players and mentality inside the squad.
The outcome forced United to continue looking elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
ReadManUtd previously covered United’s pursuit of Fernandes as Michael Carrick began rebuilding the centre of his squad following Casemiro’s departure.
United eventually added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, although another midfielder remains under consideration.
Fernandes is now firmly part of De Zerbi’s plans at Tottenham. His comments also provide a clearer explanation of why one of United’s leading early-summer targets ultimately ended up elsewhere.
