Manchester United are now discussing a summer move to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, who is “expected” to leave the London club this summer.
Man Utd discussing Fernandes move
It’s no secret that Man United are chasing midfield reinforcements ahead of the summer. With Casemiro heading for the exit door and Manuel Ugarte potentially following suit, INEOS are ready to deliver some much-needed upgrades in the middle of the park.
Several names have threatened to steal the headlines as a result, and the latest to do so is Fernandes. According to The Telegraph’s Jason Burt, Man United are discussing a move to sign Fernandes, who is “expected” to leave West Ham this summer if they are relegated from the Premier League.
It’s a deal that will not come cheap with previous reports suggesting it may take £55m to prise him away from east London.
It wouldn’t be the first time a Premier League club secured an impressive star from a relegated side and for Man United, it would only continue their recruitment strategy.
Just last summer, INEOS kept their shopping local by welcoming mid-table stars like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Now, 12 months later, it’s Fernandes who’s on their radar.
The Portuguese midfielder certainly deserves such interest, too. He’s been a clear standout at West Ham all season and has received plenty of praise from Nuno Espirito Santo as a result.
The West Ham boss told reporters that he believes Fernandes has “something special” about him earlier this season and has been proved right ever since.
|
PL 25/26 P90 |
Mateus Fernandes |
Kobbie Mainoo |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,754 |
1,383 |
|
Pass Accuracy |
87.6% |
89.5% |
|
Chances Created |
1.05 |
1.17 |
|
Tackles |
3.04 |
2.21 |
|
Recoveries |
5.46 |
5.21 |
On paper, a partnership between Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo could work wonders. The Carrington graduate creates more chances than the West Ham man per game, but would have cover for his tackling weakness courtesy of any potential arrival.
As cheap alternatives to Sandro Tonali go, Fernandes should also be a strong option. West Ham will be in no position to negotiate if they are relegated, allowing Man United to swoop in. Newcastle, meanwhile, could hold out for a hefty fee just like they did with Alexander Isak last summer.
Carrick deserves Man Utd stay, says Cunha
Although recent focus has turned towards the transfer window, Michael Carrick won’t be forgetting his victory over Liverpool anytime soon. It may have been enough to land the interim boss the permanent gig at Old Trafford and, as far as Matheus Cunha is concerned, he has earned his place in the dugout.
“I don’t think it’s in my hands. But what he did, he’s full of confidence in the group and, look, I sat on the bench with him but how he teaches everyone is amazing.
“I think he has like the magic with like these Ferguson times, these kinds of things. Then he come and bring to us, teach us how it was. And, yeah, to be part of everything that he did is a pleasure, and then of course I think he deserves it.”
Whether the Brazilian gets his wish remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that Carrick has done an excellent job since arriving on an interim basis.
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