Mateus Fernandes: United take significant step forward in race to sign extraordinary talent – Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United find themselves in a state of panic amid their pursuit of priority midfield targets. United headed into the summer with the intention of signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, having identified the England star as Casemiro’s ideal replacement. With Forest now demanding a British record transfer package and Manchester City reportedly willing to meet their demands, United have withdrawn from the race for Anderson. Manchester United face competition from Tottenham for Mateus Fernandes Earlier this month, The Athletic claimed Manchester United are refusing to enter a bidding war for Elliot Anderson and are instead focusing on signing West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes. Fernandes is thought to be “very keen” on moving to Old Trafford, and United’s recruitment team have already opened talks with his agent, Jorge Mendes, and West Ham to find an agreement over a transfer fee. The Hammers remain firm on their £85 million valuation of the 21-year-old midfield dynamo. One might think United are in a strong position to compel West Ham to lower their demands following the east London outfit’s relegation to the Championship. However, Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to enter the race may force the Red Devils’ hands. Manchester United pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes On Saturday morning, Fabrizio Romano reported that Tottenham called Fernandes’ agent to try and “enter the deal”. However, on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist underlined that United are “pushing in talks” with the super agent and West Ham to find a solution for the Portuguese midfielder. Real Madrid have also considered Fernandes as a potential signing “but from England, the clubs are way more aggressive financially”. The development suggests United remain keen to sign the West Ham star despite their initial reluctance to get involved in a bidding war for a player this summer. Furthermore, Romano adds that Jason Wilcox and company also “keep asking” West Ham about their winger Crysencio Summerville, who interestingly, is also being chased by Spurs. 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!