Former Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah has spoken out in support of one of his former teammates. United career The Dutch defender joined Manchester United’s academy in 2014 and made his debut in the 2016 season. Fosu-Mensah played in a number of positions across the defence and midfield for Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. His most productive season came under Jose Mourinho in 2016-2017, when he played 11 times for the senior side. He could never really find a place in the first eleven, and he was sold to Bayer Leverkusen. Fosu-Mensah was hampered by numerous recurrent injuries and left the club in 2024. He is still a free agent. Paul Pogba In a wide-ranging interview with Sky Sports, Fosu-Mensah gave his thoughts on Manchester United’s most expensive ever signing, Paul Pogba. The defender admitted that Pogba was a player whom he had looked up to even before sharing a pitch with him. He explained, “Paul [Pogba] is definitely up there because before I came to United and I was at Ajax, I was a centre-back but also a defensive midfielder and Paul was already doing well in Juventus so I was big fan of him already.” The Dutch international continued, “if you ask me who the player I looked up to, people would expect you to say maybe Maldini, Ronaldinho – these are great players but for me I’ve seen Paul and what he was doing at Juventus – I think at maybe 19 or 20, I was a fan of him because he was different.” Fosu-Mensah explained that you can only really appreciate Pogba as a player when you “see him up close” and that you could pass to him in any situation and he would always “own the ball.” He elaborated by stating, “he is so skilful, left-foot or right-foot, technically he is great and maybe he doesn’t get his flowers now but he will definitely get them later.” Timothy Fosu-Mensah career stats ClubGames playedGoalsYears active Man United3002015-2021 Crystal Palace (loan)2402017-18 Fulham (loan)1302018-19 Bayer Leverkusen3002021-2024 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
“He was different”: Former United starlet names surprising Old Trafford hero as his favourite
United now in negotiations with English rivals to agree deal for 5’10” magician who wants Old Trafford move – report
Manchester United are entering the summer transfer window in perhaps their strongest position in a long while. With Champions League football secured, the Red Devils could reportedly “spend close to £300m” this summer in theory. Such a figure would shatter the current record of around £215m. However, United are yet to finalise any signings this summer, which has sparked questions from some anxious, transfer-hungry fans. Manchester United negotiating Mateus Fernandes deal On Tuesday morning, The Athletic reported that Manchester United have held talks over a potential fee and wages for Mateus Fernandes. Furthermore, Theatre of Red’s Shaun Connolly claims United are comfortable and confident with their transfer business, “contrary to this unnecessary anxiety.” It is understood that “talks are ongoing” to agree a suitable fee for the West Ham midfielder. This is a major development, as it underlines that United have moved well beyond merely monitoring the Portugal international and are now actively working on bringing him to Old Trafford. It is also reported that the 5’10” midfield gem, who is known for his technical ability and vision, wants to join United. West Ham United’s asking price for Mateus Fernandes On Monday, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming West Ham United are demanding up to £80m for Fernandes, having signed him for around £38m from Southampton last year. However, United are thought to be hopeful of completing the signing of the Portugal international for about £40m. 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 Given West Ham’s need to raise up to £150 million in sales following their relegation to the Championship, the Hammers are unlikely to get what they want, unless his suitors, United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, decide to spend recklessly. United’s alleged negotiations over a fee show that INEOS believe there is a reasonable deal to be done this summer. 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!
Ex-United ace lifts lid on special Sir Alex Ferguson chat that inspired World Cup qualification
Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has shed light on a heartwarming gesture from legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scotland international is gearing up for an eventful summer after helping his nation qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. McTominay rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and broke into the first team under former manager Jose Mourinho. Legend has it that Sir Alex personally recommended the player to the Portuguese, backing him for success at Old Trafford. McTominay became a regular feature under Mourinho’s successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, although he continued to divide opinion among fans. Erik ten Hag’s arrival at the Theatre of Dreams in 2022, however, proved to be a turning point in the Scot’s career. The Dutchman opted to cash in on McTominay and signed Manuel Ugarte as his replacement in the summer of 2024. The 29 year old moved to Napoli and has successfully turned his career around. McTominay’s rise in Serie A In his first season in Serie A, McTominay helped Napoli win the league, finishing the campaign with 13 goals and six assists in 39 appearances. That earned him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or and a permanent place in the hearts of fans. Affectionately dubbed “McFratm”, the player has a shrine mural dedicated to him on San Nicola a Nilo Street in the Decumani District of the city. The Scot has been equally decisive this season for the Partenopei, helping them finish second in the league and win the Supercoppa Italiana. McTominay ended his second campaign in Serie A with 14 goals and four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. Scott McTominay Stats: 25/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Serie A33311031-2,793′ UEFA Champions League8841–699′ Supercoppa Italiana22–1-180′ Italy Cup10—-29′ Total44411442-3,701′ Source: Transfermarkt. The fact that the Scot has flourished in Italy while Ugarte is now a peripheral figure at the Theatre of Dreams suggests that United got this transfer wrong. The player has been linked with a blockbuster return to his alma mater in recent months as well, especially with the Red Devils expected to bolster their midfield this summer. McTominay recently sat down for an interview in which he spoke about a range of topics, including a secret conversation with former United manager Sir Alex. McTominay reveals special Sir Alex Ferguson conversation Speaking to British GQ Magazine, McTominay revealed how Sir Alex reached out to him last September. He said: “I spoke to Sir Alex in September, which was amazing. He called me, and I was extremely grateful that he took the time to speak to me and just ask me about how I was doing and football and stuff like that.” “So it was lovely to speak to him. I was only a young kid when he was leaving [Manchester United], so for him to think of me was extremely special, because he’s the greatest to ever do it, in my opinion.” “It was No Caller ID. I answered and just said “Hello?” because I answer every call [laughs]. I feel like I have to. And he just said, “How are you doing, son?” And so I knew fairly quickly who it was.” “We had a nice catch-up. It was probably more normal than what people would think — just like your friend calling you up, for example, and asking how you’re getting on and stuff like that. But, yeah, it was really special.” “Yeah. It’s probably personal, so I wouldn’t ever want to say anything out of turn. But he’s always had great advice. He’s so iconic that every single word, you just bottle up, and you always try to remember it for future games. And then three months later, we qualified for the World Cup. So the conversation must have inspired something.” Final Thoughts United were left to rue their decision to part ways with McTominay, whose tenacity and eye for goal could have been invaluable to the club. While the Red Devils remain in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer, the player’s return appears unlikely, especially since he will turn 30 in December. Featured image Timothy Rogers 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.
United rocked as PL rival seizes “pole position” for midfield maestro Carrick has urged Wilcox to sign – David Ornstein
Manchester United are admirers of Hayden Hackney, but other Premier League clubs are leading the charge for the Middlesbrough maestro, according to David Ornstein. Carrick is a fan Hackney, 23, has emerged as the Championship’s standout midfielder this season as the Redcar native helped propel his boyhood side to the play-off finals. An agonising last-minute 1-0 defeat to Hull City at Wembley deprived Boro of promotion, despite Kim Hellberg’s side playing some of the best football in the division. Hackney was at the heart of this style of play, serving as the team’s conductor from the middle of the pitch, as he often did under Michael Carrick during the United coach’s time at the Riverside Stadium. But the former England under-21 international has added a more clinical touch in the final third this year, returning six goals and eight assists in all competitions. These performances were enough to win him the Championship’s Player of the Year, while his contract status offers the chance of a cut-price deal being struck. Hackney’s current deal expires next year, meaning Boro are reluctantly resigned to losing their prized asset this summer – with offers around £25 million understood to be their demand. This explains why a host of Premier League sides, including the Red Devils, have identified him as a target. Fresh from being handed a two-year deal by INEOS, Carrick‘s influence at Old Trafford is already growing. The 44-year-old, who hails from a similar part of the world to Hackney, has been involved in transfer summits led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, where he has actively pushed for a reunion with his former protégé. Everton leading the race Ornstein confirms that United’s hierarchy “like” Hackney, but clarifies that “he is lower on their list of targets and a move to Old Trafford is not anticipated at present.” Instead, The Athletic reporter writes, Everton are in “pole position” to secure his signature as his “preference” is a switch to Merseyside, despite interest from Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur. “Negotiations between [Everton and Middlesbrough] have yet to take place, but once Hackney has finalised his decision, that part will follow ahead of any deal being struck,” Ornstein concludes. While a major revamp in midfield is United’s priority this summer, INEOS are understood to be targeting more physically robust options than Hackney – specifically an elite No. 6 to take the reins from Casemiro, whose contract expires this month. Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni are the primary targets, though the chances of striking deals for either look remote. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) are other options high on the club’s radar. A £38 million deal is at an advanced stage for Atalanta dynamo Ederson, with the 26-year-old Brazilian believed to be prioritising a move to M16 over other suitors. Final Thoughts In full flight, Hackney is a delight to watch, possessing a profile more commonly reserved for La Liga than the Championship. It’s no surprise Palace, for example, are sniffing around a deal as they plan for the loss of Wharton – another English midfield maestro with a Spanish twist. Given the price tag and Hackney’s familiarity with ‘Carrick-ball’, it is an interesting decision by United not to pursue a deal. But it’s one which will be tested immediately next season as the Boro talisman will almost certainly be getting the promotion his side were ultimately unable to achieve themselves. 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
1 clean sheet, 88% pass completion: Game-shy United man makes rare appearance for nation
Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has made a rare start for Turkey as his side prepare for the World Cup this summer. Challenging career The Turkish international has managed just 17 appearances for the club in three seasons. He joined from Fenerbahce in 2023 and played six times last season, starting in goal for Ruben Amorim’s side. Bayindir had his difficulties, however, being badly at fault for Arsenal’s goal in their 1-0 win at Old Trafford to start the season. He was soon replaced by summer signing Senne Lammens and did not get a look-in during the rest of the season after losing his starting role in October. Transfer rumours Clearly, it seems that the Turk has no real future at the club, and there have been numerous rumours suggesting he will be leaving this summer. Besiktas and Trabzonspor in his native country have been linked with the player this summer. World Cup In spite of his lack of game time, Bayindir has been officially called up to Turkey’s World Cup squad. As a result, he was given a rare start this season in a 4-0 friendly victory over North Macedonia yesterday. He played 63 minutes, making one save from a shot inside the area. Bayindir did keep a clean sheet as he was rarely tested by the opposition. It was not a flawless performance, though, as he did make an error which resulted in a shot being taken by North Macedonia. The keeper completed an impressive 88% of his passes and recovered the ball five times for his nation. The Turks will play another friendly against Venezuela on Saturday night before kicking off their campaign against Australia on 14th June. Altay Bayindir stats vs North Macedonia StatisticValue Total saves1 Saves from inside box1 Punches0 High claims0 Errors leading to shot1 Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes28/32 (88%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)3/6 (50%) Passes in own half (acc.)25/26 (96%) Long balls (accurate)7/10 (70%) Touches34 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Possession lost4 Total carrying distance55.9 m Carries9 Total progression52.1 m Def. contributions0 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries5 Ground duels (won)0 (0) Dribbled past0 Errors leading to shot1 Total shots0 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Featured image Jan Kruger 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
Former United wonderkid Ten Hag sold for peanuts set for World Cup adventure
Manchester United will have several of their current players involved at the World Cup for some of the biggest nations. Current United squad Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford will represent England, while Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot will play a crucial role for Portugal. Casemiro and Matheus Cunha will represent Brazil, and Lisandro Martinez has been selected for Argentina. Manuel Ugarte, Senne Lammens, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui will also join up with their respective nations. Zidane Iqbal There will also be a role for some former United players in the World Cup, and this is true for former player, Zidane Iqbal. Iqbal came through Carrington, joining at age nine, and signed his first professional deal in 2021. He also made his senior debut in December that year in the Champions League. As a result, “he became the first British-born South Asian as well as the first Iraqi to play for the club, and the first ever British South Asian to play in the Champions League.” In June 2023, he left the club and joined Utrecht. Iraq call up Iqbal has played for his nation 20 times and scored two goals since making his debut in 2022. TalkSPORT report that, “former Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal has been named in Iraq’s World Cup squad.” Iqbal has only featured seven times for Utrecht’s senior side, mainly playing his football for the youth team in spite of being 23 years old. The article reports that, “Iraq have been drawn in Group I and will face Norway in Boston, France in Philadelphia and then Senegal in Toronto.” 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
“It’s not normal!”: Carrington graduate in awe of United superstar who “doesn’t fear anything”
Carrington youth product Timothy Fosu-Mensah has shared his thoughts on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. United career Fosu-Mensah began his youth career with Dutch side Ajax before joining Manchester United in 2014. He made his debut in 2016 under Louis van Gaal and played a total of 30 games for the Red Devils. The versatile defender had loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham before leaving the club in 2020. He spent four seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, but his time there was plagued by injury, as he only played 30 games for the Bundesliga club. The Netherlands international is now officially without a club, but he gave an interview to Sky Sports recently. Bruno Fernandes Commenting on the Portuguese star, Fosu-Mensah claimed people still do not appreciate just how good Bruno Fernandes is. He claimed, “I would say maybe Bruno Fernandes is maybe the same situation as Paul (Pogba) because he’s still active, you don’t really see what he’s doing for the club but later you’ll be like ‘this was ridiculous what he is doing.’” Elaborating further on Fernandes, he said, “he doesn’t fear anything. I remember there was one game. I think we played against Everton away, me and Luke (Shaw) were on the bench and Luke was like, “Bruno, it’s not normal!” and I agree because since he came in the standard was from that moment until now, so high.” Incredible season The Dutchman’s observations have been supported by an incredible season from Fernandes. He broke the Premier League assist record with 21 in a season and also added nine goals to a highly successful campaign. Fernandes will now be focusing on guiding Portugal to a first ever World Cup trophy next month. Timothy Fosu-Mensah career stats ClubGames playedGoalsYears active Man United3002015-2021 Crystal Palace (loan)2402017-18 Fulham (loan)1302018-19 Bayer Leverkusen3002021-2024 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
Carrington graduate offered to three Serie A clubs after disastrous 25/26 campaign – report
During his time at Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho was adored by the Old Trafford faithful and was regularly serenaded during matches by the Stretford End. Despite inconsistent displays, the Red Devils were always patient with him, hoping he would eventually find that ruthless streak in front of goal with time. However, his behavioural issues coupled with his explosive rant against then-head coach Ruben Amorim forced INEOS to act in the summer. The winger left to join Chelsea on acrimonious terms, threatening his former club that he would not play until he secured his desired move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea move has not worked out for Alejandro Garnacho The Blues paid £40 million for the Argentine, and safe to say, the move has proven to be a disaster. So much so that the London side are reportedly looking to sell him after only a year with them. The Chelsea No. 49 managed only eight goals and four assists, with just one of those goals coming in the Premier League. Hardly the form of someone who was supposed to set the stage alight. AS Roma Live have reported that the Carrington graduate’s services have been offered to Serie A trio: Juventus, AC Milan, and AS Roma. All three clubs are looking to strengthen out wide, but they are clearly not in a position to pay £40 million, which is Chelsea’s asking price for the 21-year-old. Serie A clubs do not want to pay Chelsea’s asking price “According to our information, the Garnacho dossier has also reached the desks of Juventus, Milan, and Roma in Serie A. “All three teams are in need of reinforcements on the outside of their attack, and the temptation to try and relaunch the youngster after a difficult season is there, provided the right conditions arise. “If the Blues intend to recoup almost all of their investment, it’s unlikely Italy will make a move.” United had inserted a 10% future sell-on clause, which means INEOS will net millions in case a move does materialise this summer. What a fall from grace for a young star who seemed destined for the very top when he first broke through at United. Feature 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 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
Tug of war erupts between two arch-rivals for Mason Greenwood, United watching with interest – BBC
With Manchester United set to return to the Champions League after a two-season hiatus, INEOS have massive plans in the transfer market. It is well known that a midfield revamp is in the works, but the Red Devils are also looking at strengthening at the back and out wide. And for all this to pan out, the co-owners will need to sell well with the futures of several stars up in the air. In recent years, the 20-time English league champions have inserted smart sell-on clauses into deals, which would net them millions in the future. Mason Greenwood set to depart Marseille One such clause could come into effect this summer, with the future of Mason Greenwood the subject of speculation in France. The Carrington graduate secured a £26.6 million move to Olympique Marseille, but with their manager Roberto De Zerbi leaving for Tottenham Hotspur, the Englishman is also keen to leave for pastures new. There is interest from within the Premier League and Italy, and now, the BBC have reported that Fenerbahce have joined the race for the 24-year-old. Interestingly, both of Fenerbahce’s presidential candidates want to sign the former United wonderkid. Despite a goal-laden Ligue 1 spell, Marseille are also open to a sale. Fenerbahce presidential candidates fighting over Mason Greenwood Fenerbahce will not find it difficult to agree personal terms with the England international, but a fee has not been mentioned in the report. “Mason Greenwood is the top transfer target for Fenerbahce’s two presidential candidates. The former Manchester United and England forward has had a difficult few months at Marseille. “Their new sporting director Gregory Lorenzi said last week the club was willing to listen to offers for Greenwood, who has three years remaining on the five-year deal he signed when he left United on a permanent basis in July 2024. “Former president Aziz Yildirim is vying with Hakan Safi for the club presidency of the Turkish club, with an announcement due on Sunday. It is not anticipated personal terms would be a problem in trying to sign Greenwood.” United will be watching proceedings with interest, as they are entitled to a 50 per cent share of the profits of a future sale, which means they will earn millions in case of a big-money move. Feature image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce 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 hopeful of completing bargain deal for 80m playmaker who wants dream Old Trafford move – report
Manchester United have been rocked by West Ham United’s refusal to budge on their demand for maestro Mateus Fernandes, despite internal hopes of a cut-price deal, according to a new report. Premier League Tax The Red Devils are planning an overhaul of their midfield unit this summer, with at least two – potentially three if Manuel Ugarte is sold – new signings set to arrive at Old Trafford. The priority is a ‘marquee’ replacement for Casemiro, whose contract expires this month, in the No.6 position. An all-action No.8 and a cheaper option with high upside are also wanted. The primary targets are Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid superstar Aurélien Tchouaméni, though deals for either are unlikely at this stage. Sandro Tonali is another highly rated candidate with the requisite balance of physical and technical qualities that United’s hierarchy are focusing on. However, Newcastle United’s demand of £100 million to part with the Italian has cooled interest. It is a similar case with Carlos Baleba, Brighton & Hove Albion’s 22-year-old enforcer with whom United agreed personal terms last year. The Seagulls’ refusal to budge on their valuation – similar to Newcastle’s stance – after a major downturn in form has deterred the Cameroonian’s suitors. This has led to Fernandes rapidly emerging as a priority target for United, given West Ham United’s relegation was expected to lead to a cut-price deal as they need to raise up to £150 million in sales. But the old adage of ‘Premier League tax’ has reared its ugly head again, as the Hammers are intent on demanding “up to £80 million” to sign the 21-year-old Portugal international, The Times reveals. Playing Hardball United are considered frontrunners for Fernandes after holding productive talks with the player’s camp. It is understood that he has communicated a strong desire to complete a switch to M16, even ahead of offers from other top clubs, with sources revealing he considers it a “dream move”. Both Champions League finalists – Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain – have made advances, while there is interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United. Initially, it was believed a fee in the region of £60 million would be sufficient if West Ham were unable to avoid the drop, putting Fernandes within INEOS’s budget. A different report by The Times writes: “United are also hopeful of completing the signing of the West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, for about £40 million, after their relegation to the Championship”. However, the East London side appear well aware of the prodigious talent they have in their ranks and want to be properly compensated if forced to lose the youngster, with the asking price set at double United’s estimate. The £38 million deal which brought him to the London Stadium from Southampton last summer included a 15% sell-on clause, further emboldening this negotiating position. Final Thoughts Despite possessing a well-rounded skillset with the scope to grow into an outstanding midfielder, Fernandes remains a work in progress. An £80 million outlay on potential is one a club like Paris Saint-Germain can afford, both on and off the pitch; United simply cannot. If West Ham stick to their guns and spark a bidding war that sees the price rocket for the Olhão native, the Red Devils will be forced to move on from yet another key target in their attempt to fix their stalling engine room. But if Fernandes actively pushes to complete his ‘dream’ move to the Theatre of Dreams, perhaps United can leverage the Hammers towards a midway point in the £60m range, a fee more in line with a 21-year-old talent. 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
