Mateus Fernandes upgrade: Man Utd plot “club-to-club talks” over £100m move

After multiple years of struggle, Manchester United fans have been rewarded for their patience after Michael Carrick secured the club Champions League football ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The interim boss has been a breath of fresh air at Old Trafford, subsequently winning 10 of his 15 matches in the Premier League – leading to a potential third-placed finish.

As a result, it looks as though the 44-year-old is set to be rewarded with a permanent contract this summer, especially if recent reports are to be believed.

Should he be appointed in Manchester, attention will no doubt turn to the play squad, with additions desperately needed at the heart of the Red Devils’ midfield.

Casemiro’s pending departure has increased the need for added reinforcements, with a catalogue of talents being linked with a summer transfer to Old Trafford.

Man Utd ready club-to-club talks to sign £100m midfielder

Over the last couple of days, United have been just one of multiple Premier League clubs credited with an interest in landing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

The Portuguese international has been a shining light for the Hammers this term and is set for a big-money transfer elsewhere should they suffer relegation in the weeks ahead.

Arsenal and Liverpool are just two other clubs in the race for his signature, leading to an £80m asking price being mooted for his services as a result of the interest.

However, Fernandes isn’t the only midfield target currently in the Red Devils’ sights this summer, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson once appearing on their radar.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to the United Stand, United are readying “club-to-club talks” with Vitor Pereira’s side over the possibility of securing a deal for the 23-year-old.

He also states that the England international remains the hierarchy’s number one transfer target to replace the outgoing Casemiro ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Any deal would likely be an expensive one for INEOS, as Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has placed a £100m asking price on the youngster’s head.

Why Anderson would be better than Fernandes for United

As previously mentioned, United have stepped up their interest in a move for Fernandes in recent days, with West Ham looking increasingly likely to suffer relegation this season.

It appears the Red Devils are trying to take advantage of the Hammers’ demise and secure a move for the 21-year-old, who only arrived from Southampton last summer.

However, he’s already caught the eye at the London Stadium this term, even registering a world-class strike during the victory over Sunderland back in January.

His talent at both ends of the pitch has made him an in-demand prospect this summer, which could lead to a huge transfer battle for his signature when the window opens.

Despite the interest in Fernandes, United desperately need to look elsewhere for added reinforcements – with Anderson needing to be the player they pursue.

The Englishman has been one of the division’s star performers in recent years, subsequently producing numerous phenomenal figures – many of which are way above those produced by the West Ham star.

Anderson, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Statman Dave, has registered a staggering 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 this term, along with 89 touches of the ball per 90.

Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 5% of midfielders in the Premier League this campaign, with Fernandes unable to get anywhere near such tallies.

The Forest star’s talents in possession are further reflected in his tally of 1.4 chances created per 90 – a figure also way above the 0.8 produced by the Hammers star.

However, without the ball is where Anderson has thrived in 2025/26, subsequently making 13.8 defensive contributions per 90 – the most of any midfielder in England’s top-flight.

His tally of 8.3 ball recoveries per 90 is also the highest in the top-division to date, with Fernandes only able to register a measly tally of 5.4 in comparison.

Whilst Anderson is a player who would cost a club-record this summer, it’s pivotal that the Red Devils hierarchy work tirelessly to secure a deal for the Englishman.

He’s proven time and time again that he’s capable of starring on the big occasion – something which will be needed as the club return to Champions League football next term.

Fernandes is a solid option undoubtedly, but if the club are to return to title glory in the near future, they need top-level talents – a category which Anderson certainly falls into.