Manchester United might have to move on from Mateus Fernandes and focus on other targets if the latest reports are anything to go by. The Red Devils were overwhelming favourites for the Portugal international despite West Ham’s valuation of the midfielder. Real Madrid had to accept defeat in their pursuit of the Hammers ace, but Tottenham Hotspur’s entry has completely flipped the script. Roberto De Zerbi has been pushing Spurs to not allow United a free run at the 21-year-old, and with the 20-time English league champions unlikely to match West Ham’s asking price, the North London side have taken a decisive lead. Why Spurs are in the lead for Mateus Fernandes According to Sky Sports, the Lilywhites are prepared to match the recently-relegated side’s £85 million asking price. United value Mateus Fernandes at £60 million, but they are prepared to pay more but INEOS are unlikely to pay as much as Spurs. “Regarding Fernandes, Tottenham are understood to be willing to pay £85m for the Portugal international, who is keen to return to the Premier League following West Ham’s relegation. “United are previously understood to have valued the ex-Southampton player at around £60m, but may be prepared to offer more as they watch developments with other clubs closely.” Spurs prepared to pay higher wages as well In a further blow to the three-time Champions League winners, The Sun have reported that Spurs are ready to offer a higher wage packet to the Portuguese ace as compared to United. “MANCHESTER UNITED risk being blown out of the water for Mateus Fernandes by Tottenham on wages. “Sources say Spurs are “going big” on salaries for targets and are prepared to offer more than United for Fernandes.” Last year, Spurs had come close to hijacking a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, but the Cameroonian only had eyes for United. United now hoping for Mateus Fernandes to stand firm INEOS will be banking on Mateus Fernandes holding firm as well, with his admiration for Bruno Fernandes well known. However, should West Ham accept the higher fee and push the midfielder towards Spurs, United might have little hope of winning this saga. Feature 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 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






