United’s pursuit of PL sensation under threat as arch rivals join the race – report

Manchester United are targeting midfield players with Premier League experience this summer. Midfield list The Red Devils have long been linked to Carlos Baleba at Brighton and Hove Albion. They are also extremely keen on Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali are also reported to be potential targets as United look to upgrade their midfield department. Due to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ likely relegation, Joao Gomes is also said to be of interest in the corridors of power at Old Trafford. Mateus Fernandes One player United are also reported to be keeping tabs on is West Ham United’s Portuguese star, Mateus Fernandes. Fernandes seems primed for a summer exit this year, and United have been described as ready to pounce on any potential deal. However, sources close to West Ham have suggested that the player is certainly not as available as the media is portraying him to be. The Hammers currently find themselves in relegation trouble with just 10 matches remaining in the league, so their hand may be forced. Liverpool interest As usual, United will hardly get a free run at the player should they firm up their interest. Consequently, TEAMtalk have reported that “Liverpool have joined the race for West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, according to a report, and it could disrupt Manchester United’s plans for a masterful double signing.” As things currently stand, United seem to be in a better position to secure Champions League football for next season than their great rivals, and this may give them an edge in the race for the 21-year-old sensation. Fernandes only joined West Ham from Southampton last summer. He has played 30 games in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing four assists. Mateus Fernandes 2025/2026 season stats Matches GoalsAssists Mins played 30442391 Source: transfermarkt.com 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 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.