Manchester United continue to pursue Premier League-proven stars, but could be forced to pay over the odds for their services. United have already withdrawn from a potential move for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest demanded a British record fee for the midfielder. Mateus Fernandes has now emerged as the priority midfield target, but West Ham United are asking for more than £80 million for the 21-year-old talent. United face similar obstacles in their efforts to strengthen their backline. Manchester United continue to chase Jarrad Branthwaite According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are closely monitoring Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The left-footed 6ft 5in defender has been on United’s radar ever since he broke through at Everton. Branthwaite even agreed personal terms to move to Old Trafford, but the Toffees rejected two bids from United in the summer of 2024. Branthwaite has struggled with injuries since then, but his versatility, one-v-one defending, imposing presence and ball progression have kept him on the radar of clubs such as United. It is believed that Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also interested in the England international. However, it is understood Everton would demand in excess of £70m for the 25-year-old defensive powerhouse. Manchester United also want Iliman Ndiaye United are also looking to improve their options on the left flank and are thought to be interested in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye. The 26-year-old attacker possesses exceptional dribbling ability. The Red Devils face competition from Arsenal and City for his services. Needless to say, Everton are reluctant to part ways with Ndiaye as well. However, the Senegal international has yet to agree a new contract. Ndiaye has turned down offers of new terms and is believed to be keen on playing at a higher level. He moved to Merseyside from Marseille in 2024. Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
United plotting desperate move to sign 70m defensive monster, he agreed terms to join in 2024 – report
United plotting sensational swoop for brand-new midfield target, club analysts feel he is better than Ballon d’Or winner – report
Manchester United’s new team of analysts may have found Michael Carrick his ideal replacement for Casemiro. INEOS have moved on from Elliot Anderson following Manchester City’s mega bid, with the co-owners not interested in becoming involved in a bidding war. The Red Devils have also cooled their interest in Sandro Tonali owing to the Italian’s asking price and his preference to return to his homeland. Following the Ederson deal, United’s focus is currently on completing a move for Mateus Fernandes, with confidence growing that a deal can be agreed as early as this month. Tyler Adams emerges as new target Even if they sign the Portuguese ace, the 20-time English league champions will still need one more midfielder as the head coach targets a complete revamp of the engine room. Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba are among the other names in the fray, with Scott’s Bournemouth teammate emerging as another option. The Daily Mail have reported that the Old Trafford side are monitoring Tyler Adams, with club analysts claiming the American is better than Manchester City’s Rodri in some aspects. That is high praise indeed, and naturally, several other English teams are also keeping a close eye on the USA international, who is expected to play a major role for his home country in the World Cup. United analysts blown away by Tyler Adams “The hugely industrious Tyler Adams has plenty of admirers. “Manchester United have recognised his output as analysts point to stats that in some respects compare to, or better, those of Manchester City’s Rodri. “United have continued to monitor as they assess targets, Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola is an advocate while Chelsea retain interest.” The former RB Leipzig ace is not expected to cost as much as Scott, so it will be interesting to see if INEOS pivot to Tyler Adams if a deal for his English teammate becomes too expensive. Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
United better hurry as European powerhouse “make contact” with Carrick’s dream midfield target – report
Manchester United’s search for players in the transfer window continues, with INEOS desperate to provide Michael Carrick with a new-look midfield as he heads into his first season in permanent charge of the club. With Brazilian international Ederson all but confirmed as the first addition to the engine room, United will hope to press on with bringing in another couple of high-profile names in the coming weeks. Whilst there is a clear need for numbers in the middle of the park, United must be careful to onboard the right level of quality to improve things at Old Trafford. Stiff competition for key targets West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes is clearly one of United’s primary targets, with the young man proving he can deal with the tempo of the Premier League after a fine season with the Hammers despite their relegation. However, United will not only have to stump up an eye-watering fee for the 21-year-old, but will also need to fend off some extremely stiff competition to secure his much-wanted signature. As reported by French media outlet Foot Mercato, Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain have registered their interest in Fernandes and “begun talks” with the London club. West Ham have slapped a whopping £80 million price tag on the head of the Portuguese midfielder, who has surely played his last game for the club and is heading for pastures new this summer. It is expected PSG will try to shave some euros off the hefty asking price, as will United, before making an official bid for the player. However, with the Parisians now seemingly ramping up their attempts to sign Fernandes, INEOS might have to move quickly and stump up the cash to beat Luis Enrique’s side to the punch. The lure of playing for the Champions League holders is also something United will be wary of, and they will need to be at their persuasive best to ensure they get their man. Alternatives dwindling Furthermore, United have cooled their interest in Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, and with Manchester City seemingly winning the race for Elliot Anderson, the search for that marquee addition is getting harder with each passing week. United will be wary of missing out on their primary targets, and if Fernandes is the player they want, they must ensure they are doing all they can to make the deal happen. Carrick’s men proved they can mix it with the best the Premier League has to offer in the second half of last season, and the new permanent head coach will be desperate to improve even further next year. To do so, INEOS must arm him with the relevant tools to be able to cope with the demands of Premier League and Champions League football in the new campaign, and sorting the midfield options is paramount to achieving the goals set next term. Feature image Clive Rose via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A lifelong red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the unforgettable night in Paris in 2019 under the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
United to take advantage of European champions’ contract stand-off with talisman, he fits Carrick’s system like a glove – report
Given Manchester United’s injury issues at the back, it has been surprising to note the lack of transfer rumours regarding potential defensive reinforcements. A cursory glance at the options at Michael Carrick’s disposal makes things abundantly clear why INEOS need to prioritise additions at the back this summer. Matthijs de Ligt was sidelined since November and ended up missing the whole season. The Dutchman subsequently went under the knife and is expected to miss a large chunk of next season. Lisandro Martinez ended up missing 17 games last season and despite his obvious quality, the Argentine remains injury-prone. United’s troubles at the back Adding Harry Maguire’s age into the equation, it is clear that the Red Devils could benefit from a new defensive signing. With revamping the midfield a priority, not too much in terms of cash will be available for a new centre-back and The Daily Mail have an interesting update to provide. The report claims that Crystal Palace are currently embroiled in a contract stand-off with their talismanic defender Maxence Lacroix. The Frenchman has played a key role as the Eagles have won three trophies in two seasons, including the UEFA Conference League crown last season. Maxence Lacroix had a wonderful season for Palace The 26-year-old helped keep 20 clean sheets, while also contributing three goals and as many assists, including a strike at Old Trafford. No wonder the likes of United, Arsenal and Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on his contract proceedings with Palace. “As with Josko Gvardiol, Ricardo Calafiori and Nico Schlotterbeck, Lacroix has been discussed by Real Madrid after an excellent season with Crystal Palace. “Arsenal and Manchester United are also among admirers of the 26-year-old who is at a stand-off in contract talks at Selhurst Park.” Contract stand-off with Palace, three giants lurking The France international’s current deal is valid until 2029 and he has a market value of £43 million, having been signed by the Selhurst Park outfit for £15.5 million. His ability, both with and without the ball, makes him a standout prospect with the defender also fitting in with INEOS’ Premier League-proven recruitment strategy. Whether a move transpires this summer remains to be seen. Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
United launch new bold financial plan with controversial consequences that will concern fans – The Athletic
Manchester United have taken out an additional $125million in long-term debt as part of a refinancing of borrowings stemming from the Glazers’ controversial leveraged buyout of the club in 2005. Refinancing plans Earlier this month, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were considering that was set to mature next year through the private placement market. It was stated that United had opened discussions with multiple banks, although nothing concrete had materialised yet. This came off the back of rumours that a faction of the Glazers are looking to sell their stakes and sever ties with the club after 21 years. Some of them are believed to have been quietly planning their exit. The Glazer family’s full takeover of United was funded largely by loans taken out against the club’s assets. This loaded the club with £525m of debt, pushing it into the red for the first time since 1931. Now, The Athletic have confirmed an update on the state of affairs, noting that United have increased their long-term debt by $125m after refinancing loans tied to the Glazers’ takeover. Increased long-term debt The Athletic say, “A filing to the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed on Friday that United have restructured their $425m senior secured notes, which were due for repayment next year.” “The refinanced debt now amounts to $550m, at a higher interest rate of 5.36 per cent. The previous rate, secured in 2015, was 3.79 per cent.” It’s understood that at the higher interest rates, United are understood to be facing an extra £10 million outlay based on current exchange rates. The positive from United’s point of view is that the date for repayment has now been extended from June 2027 to 2031. When both long-term debt and short-term debt (the latter serviced through a revolving credit facility) are combined, the club’s total financial debt after refinancing comes to £728m. United owe £360m in outstanding transfer fees, including £209m due within the next year. The Athletic further note that United will use borrowings to pay the $425m due to expire next year and for “general corporate purposes”. Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
United in “official negotiations” with super agent to sign “special talent”, club-to-club talks also started – Fabrizio Romano
If all goes according to plan, Manchester United could soon secure a second midfielder this summer, as the situation surrounding Mateus Fernandes is developing rapidly. Fernandes has become United’s priority transfer target this summer after impressing with his aggressive ball-winning and powerful ball-carrying ability. According to Sky Sports, United are preparing an opening offer for the 5’10” midfielder, who has been described as a “special talent”. Manchester United working on Mateus Fernandes deal Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United are now in contact with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes. According to the Italian journalist, Real Madrid have shown interest in Fernandes, but their pursuit is not as “advanced” as the Premier League giants. It is claimed United are in “official negotiations” with the agent of the Portuguese number eight, Jorge Mendes, regarding his contract. More importantly, United are also in contact with West Ham to understand their demands, indicating the pursuit has moved past discussions among intermediaries and is entering the formal stage of a deal. It has been suggested that the Hammers have slapped an £85m price-tag on the 21-year-old’s head. However, United are allegedly not going to pay “completely crazy money” for their preferred target. As such, talks are ongoing to find a consensus by potentially restructuring the deal and including add-ons. West Ham desperate to raise funds The Daily Mail, meanwhile, suggest that United are leading the chase for Fernandes after ending their hunt for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. United are thought to be ahead of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in the race for the West Ham sensation. Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7 Source: Sofascore West Ham are “under pressure to raise more £100m in player sales before the end of this month to comply with financial fair play rules following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.” As such, the Hammers cannot afford to play a waiting game with the Red Devils, who have already reached an agreement to sign Brazilian dynamo Ederson from Atalanta and have a whole summer to revamp their midfield. Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
Six-time CL winners storm into the race for United superstar, only two hurdles remain to be crossed – report
Manchester United’s attempts to swiftly offload Marcus Rashford this summer have yet to bear fruit. The Red Devils sent the Englishman on loan to Barcelona last summer, and he managed to turn his career around at Camp Nou. After scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists last season, it was believed that Rashford had done enough to convince the Catalans to trigger their €30 million purchase option. However, the LaLiga giants have instead opted to spend their money on Anthony Gordon, leaving the United academy graduate’s future in limbo. Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga3218893-1,762′ UEFA Champions League11554–579′ Copa del Rey4311–249′ Supercopa20—-32′ Total492614143-2,622′ Source: Transfermarkt. A move to Camp Nou this summer cannot be entirely ruled out, especially since Barcelona have previously attempted to finalise a deal on reduced terms. However, Rashford’s other suitors have also entered the fray, adding another dimension to the saga. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that Bayern Munich are willing to match the Red Devils’ asking price for the Englishman, but are reluctant to agree to his exorbitant wages. An update on the saga has now emerged. Bayern Munich confident of Rashford deal According to TEAMtalk, Bayern Munich are optimistic about winning the race for Rashford this summer. The report states: “Bayern Munich are growing increasingly confident of securing the signature of Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford this summer, following positive talks with his representatives and with an opening set to arrive in the coming days, TEAMtalk understands.” The Bavarians have received an encouraging response during discussions with the player’s entourage and are now preparing to submit an opening offer in the region of €25 million. The report, though, confirms that United are holding out for a €30 million fee. It continues: “Manchester United, though, are adamant they want to sell and are understood to have told Bayern Munich they are holding out for that €30 million – effectively matching the figure Barcelona could have paid – as they seek to offload the forward and provide the club with further funds ahead of their own squad strengthening plans.” While there is a willingness from both clubs to get a deal across the line, there are two primary hurdles that must be overcome before the transfer can see the light of day. Rashford will have to make sacrifices to leave United The report adds that Rashford will have to accept reduced wages and also agree to fight for his place in the starting XI if he wants to move to the Allianz Arena. It states: “Insiders suggest the Bavarians view him as a versatile left-sided threat capable of providing depth and directness, though two obstacles need overcoming first before a deal can be signed off.” “Firstly, wage negotiations remain a key hurdle given Rashford’s substantial salary and Bayern’s strict wage rules. That will certainly need some wriggle room and sacrifices from the player’s end.” “Furthermore, Rashford will need to accept there are no guarantees of a starting berth at Bayern and he will battle the likes of Luis Diaz, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala for a place in the side.” Even if the move to the Bundesliga falls through, Rashford still has admirers in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Arsenal linked with the player of late. However, United must decide whether they can risk allowing the Englishman to join a direct rival. Final Thoughts Rashford’s future promises to be one of the most intriguing sagas of the summer transfer window. While his next destination may not be decided yet, it is almost certain that the Englishman’s Old Trafford career is over. Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
INEOS to smash United’s wage structure as they prepare blockbuster offer for superstar on Carrick’s orders – report
Manchester United are not only looking to get their midfield recruitment spot on, but are also focused on keeping hold of their existing superstars. Casemiro has already left, while Manuel Ugarte could follow suit. Someone INEOS do not want to lose at any cost is Bruno Fernandes. The skipper had a record-breaking season last time out, breaking the all-time Premier League assist record, and enjoying a stunning second half of the campaign. If he were not at the club, fans shudder to think what would have happened. And the co-owners and Michael Carrick seem to agree with this assessment. Bruno Fernandes is irreplaceable There were reports that United had cancelled contract extension talks but SportsBoom have now reported that this is not the case. The Red Devils are planning to submit a new contract offer which would blow open the club’s wage structure. The report mentions that the club captain currently earns around £250,000-a-week, which would increase to £375,000-a-week along with bonuses. This goes to show how desperate the Old Trafford giants are to avoid losing their best player amid interest from European and Saudi Pro League sides. New contract offer on Carrick’s orders “Manchester United are preparing to reward skipper Bruno Fernandes with a staggering new £375,000-a-week contract as they look to tie down their talismanic midfielder for the long term, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. “SportsBoom understands reports suggesting the Red Devils will delay talks until later this year are wide of the mark, with club chiefs determined to move quickly to secure the future of their most influential player. “The club’s proposed deal would represent a 50 per cent increase on Fernandes’ current salary, believed to be around £250,000 per week, while also including a host of lucrative performance-related bonuses linked to Premier League titles, Champions League success and domestic cup triumphs. Bruno Fernandes has eyes on taking United back to the top “Carrick sees Fernandes as the pivotal figure capable of driving the club back towards major honours, and club chiefs are hopeful a blockbuster new deal will keep their creative force and inspirational captain at Old Trafford for another four or five years.” Bruno Fernandes remains eager to take United back to the top, and it would be fitting if the club won the Premier League under the captaincy of the Portuguese superstar. Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
Pogba lays bare the challenge Carrick must overcome to prove United are truly back
Six months on, INEOS’ decision to sack Ruben Amorim and replace him with Michael Carrick is looking like a masterstroke. Amorim was trusted with taking Manchester United back to the top, but after 14 months, he failed to show he was capable of doing so. Carrick was brought in to steady the ship at Old Trafford, and he did exactly that. A transformative Carrick He had United competing again, putting together a string of quality performances that ultimately saw the club finish third in the Premier League and book a place in the Champions League. As a result, Carrick left the United decision-makers with little choice but to hand him the permanent role. There is enormous anticipation around what lies ahead. As impressive as United were in those final months under the former midfielder, with 12 wins, three draws and two losses, there is a genuine belief that had he arrived earlier, United could well have been in the title conversation last season. Now, with a full summer to assemble a formidable squad, Carrick has the chance to build a team capable of challenging on multiple fronts. And while optimism is high that strong recruitment will see United flying, Paul Pogba has pointed to what will truly signal that his former club are back: Carrick is the man to lead them there. Pogba: Champions League football is Man United’s truest test Pogba told ESPN, reacting to how much improved United have looked in recent months: “It was good. I think it was very good for him and for the players. They had like another air, they felt another energy, and that was good for them, it’s all they needed. “I guess next year they’re back in the Champions League, it’s going to be a good challenge for them, and they’re going to have to prove themselves. But it was for sure a good season for them to get back to where Manchester United belong.” For Pogba, then, how United fare in the Champions League will say a great deal about where this team truly stands. Another chance to silence the critics After several seasons away from Europe’s elite, United will once again be testing themselves against the very best. Whether they crumble under that pressure or rise to meet it remains to be seen. Either way, this United side, as competitive as they were in the second half of the season, will have every opportunity to prove to the doubters that they were always meant to grace the Champions League stage. Featured image Ed Sykes via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
United preparing offer for their second summer signing, 70m offer could be accepted – Sky Germany
Manchester United are now pushing to secure the services of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United amid increasing competition for his signature. United have been closely monitoring Fernandes’ performances in east London. Despite West Ham’s relegation, the Portuguese midfielder has impressed the Red Devils’ data-led recruitment team. Furthermore, Nottingham Forest’s British transfer record price tag has made Elliot Anderson an unattainable target for United, who are now focused on getting a deal over the line for Fernandes. In recent weeks, the likes of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have entered the race for Fernandes, seemingly alerting figures at Old Trafford. They are now ready to act swiftly to win the race for the Portuguese youngster’s signature. Manchester United preparing offer for Mateus Fernandes According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Mateus Fernandes is “one of the priority targets” for Manchester United. It is believed United are aware of the 21-year-old’s “personal terms and do not expect any issues on that front should a transfer agreement with West Ham be reached.” 🚨💣 EXCL | Mateus Fernandes is now one of the priority targets for Manchester United. ManUtd are aware of his personal terms and do not expect any issues on that front should a transfer agreement with West Ham be reached. #MUFC ManUtd are preparing an offer, but nothing has… pic.twitter.com/878xadLcPv — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 12, 2026 More importantly, Plettenberg claims that the Premier League giants are “preparing an offer” for Fernandes. “But nothing has been submitted to West Ham so far,” he underlines. West Ham could accept £70m for Mateus Fernandes West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton in a deal worth around £42 million last year. It has been widely reported that their intention is to bag more than double that figure 12 months later. However, Football Insider claims “there is a feeling that Fernandes could be more affordable for United.” The London outfit find themselves under immense pressure to raise funds through sales in order to avoid breaching profitability and sustainability rules. It is understood the West Ham star could depart the club for a lower fee of around £70m this summer. Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Pete O’Rourke explained: “Forest want that British record fee of £125 million. Man United won’t be in contention to match those figures. “His [Fernandes] fee is expected to be a bit more reasonable, they could get it done at probably around £70m for that type of transfer target.” Meanwhile, earlier today, The Telegraph suggested that United are leading the race to sign Fernandes, having moved ahead of Arsenal, who are reluctant to meet West Ham’s valuation of the 5’10” midfield genius, known for his exceptional passing range and defensive acumen. United have already reached total agreement with Atalanta to make Ederson their first signing of the Michael Carrick era. Everything points to Fernandes following the Brazilian through the door at Old Trafford and becoming the club’s second signing. Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
