United make contact to sign “one of the best box-to-box midfielders”, Wilcox already knows 25-yo star – The Athletic

Manchester United are still waiting for a breakthrough in their pursuit of a marquee midfielder for Michael Carrick. According to The Athletic, United remain in negotiations for their priority midfield target Mateus Fernandes, despite “serious competition” from Tottenham Hotspur. It is understood West Ham have remained firm on their £85m asking price for the 21-year-old Portuguese. As such, United are also working on other targets. Manchester United make enquiry for Nmecha The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet claims Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha is among the names Manchester United are considering in midfield. It is believed United have already made enquiries as to his availability this summer. The Germany international, who delivered promising performances at the World Cup despite his country’s early exit, is a former Manchester City academy player, coming through the ranks during Jason Wilcox’s time in charge of City’s youth set-up. Nmecha is thought to be keen on moving to the Premier League. Felix Nmecha’s reputation has skyrocketed this year The 6ft 3in midfielder offers imposing presence, incredible athleticism, and exceptional ball-carrying ability.  “He is physically strong, technically strong, and can carry the ball through midfield at high speed. Nmecha is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world,” German legend Lothar Matthäus stated earlier this year. Felix Nmecha Bundesliga stats: 2025/26 Season Appearances29 Minutes per game75 Touches49.2 Key passes0.7 Accurate passes32.3 Interceptions 0.9 Tackles 1.3 Goals and assists 5 Source: Sofascore It has been previously reported that United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is in close contact with the player’s camp. However, Dortmund remain reluctant to sanction Nmecha’s exit this summer, having only renewed his contract in March. The German’s new contract includes a release clause for 2027 valued at €80m. Meanwhile, The Athletic report added that United are also considering Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni as well as Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. It appears Wilcox and company are keeping their options open rather than being held to ransom by selling clubs. Still, they need to act swiftly. Featured image Christof Koepsel 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!