Tottenham Hotspur’s unprecedented ambition in the transfer market may frustrate key figures at Manchester United. Earlier this summer, United appeared to be the strongest suitors for West Ham United midfield metronome Mateus Fernandes. However, Tottenham, who have already made a bid worth around £80 million for Sandro Tonali, have also strongly entered the race for Fernandes as they look to avoid another relegation battle. Mateus Fernandes desperate for “dream move” to Manchester United According to Claret and Hugh, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are both reported to be “close” to agreeing personal terms with Mateus Fernandes. However, neither club has yet submitted a bid, with West Ham demanding an astonishing £85 million for the 21-year-old. It seems both United and Tottenham are hoping to avoid a bidding war by convincing the player to pick their respective projects. In that regard, United appear to be ahead of the North London outfit, as it is believed Fernandes is desperate for Champions League football and considers United his “dream move”. The Portuguese youngster is reportedly even pushing his representatives to prioritise a move to Old Trafford. However, there are also suggestions that the West Ham star would be happy to join Spurs, given he is settled in London. As we have previously reported, Jorge Mendes is leading the negotiations for Fernandes. As such, these conflicting briefings are unlikely to stop anytime soon. The idea of multiple clubs chasing his client puts Mendes in a strong negotiating position. Manchester United remain confident Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox and his colleagues remain firm on not being held to ransom this summer. Ineos have already pulled out of the race to sign Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest demanding a British record fee for the England midfielder. On Sunday evening, Shaun Connolly of Theatre of Red claimed Tottenham are a “distant second” in the race for Fernandes, particularly because of his desire to play alongside Bruno Fernandes. 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 It is understood negotiations are ongoing, and United officials remain confident they will secure their primary target after Anderson. “The only telling variable is how determined The Hammers are to gain as much of a fee as is possible,” the report adds. A separate report from the Manchester Evening News suggested that United are “playing it cool at the moment” as there is a belief that the Championship side needs cash before June 30 to balance the books and avoid the risk of breaching Premier League or EFL financial regulations. Featured image Julian Finney 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!

Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes appears to have taken an optimistic turn. The Red Devils are looking to sign the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the upcoming campaign. The English midfielder enjoyed a resurgence under Michael Carrick in the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, earning a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad as a reward for his efforts. Mainoo was outstanding alongside Casemiro in the heart of United’s midfield, and has already extended his stay at Old Trafford until 2031. However, the Brazilian midfielder has ended his stay at the Theatre of Dreams, and United are now searching for the ideal candidate to fill his boots. Recent reports suggest that the Red Devils have already secured the services of Ederson to help deal with Casemiro’s departure. While the Atalanta midfielder was impressive last season, the English giants are also looking for a Premier League-proven player to further strengthen the position. Recent reports have suggested that Fernandes is the priority for United this year. The ideal partner for Mainoo? Fernandes was the lone shining light for West Ham in a disappointing 2025/26 campaign in which they were relegated from the Premier League. The Portuguese midfielder finished the campaign with five goals and five assists in 42 games across all competitions. Mateus Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3635346-3,026′ Championship32-1–189′ FA Cup221—225′ EFL Cup111-1-71′ Total4240557-3,511′ Source: Transfermarkt. His performances have already convinced the Old Trafford hierarchy, who were initially eager to secure the services of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. However, the West Bridgford club’s steep asking price, coupled with Manchester City’s pursuit of the player, has subsequently prompted United to seek alternatives. Fernandes has emerged as an option, and there is a belief that the player could get even better in time. However, the growing interest in the Portuguese’s services has complicated matters, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly hot on his heels. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person, though, suggests that the Red Devils have already reached full agreement with the player’s camp ahead of a summer move. An update on the saga has now emerged that will certainly please fans. Deal possible by June 30 According to the Manchester Evening News, United could have an opportunity to secure Fernandes’ services by the end of the month owing to the Hammers’ financial woes. The report states: “There is a reason for United playing it cool at the moment, and that is the belief that West Ham need cash before June 30 to balance the books and avoid the risk of breaching Premier League or EFL financial regulations.” “They posted a £104million loss last year, and that financial report made it clear player sales were necessary, even without relegation.” “The drop into the Championship really is a worst-case scenario at the London Stadium and they will have to raise money from sales this summer. It’s why winger Crysencio Summerville is another player United are looking at this summer.” However, the report warns that any hopes of securing a cut-price deal could be hampered by strong competition for the Portuguese’s signature. It states: “But if United are hoping to try and get a bargain for Fernandes later in June, they really need a clear run at the player and a desire from the 21-year-old to join the club.” “If Tottenham become serious rivals for his signature, then it might create a bidding war, giving West Ham exactly what they want.” The report, however, confirms that United remain the favourites to sign Fernandes at the moment. Final Thoughts United have to properly strengthen their midfield if they wish to compete with the best in the league and Europe next season. Securing the services of Fernandes will be a step in the right direction, so INEOS cannot afford to get it wrong this summer. 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 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.