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 are discussing a move with Fernandes
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 likely to follow suit, INEOS is poised to deliver a much-needed boost to 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 Jason Burt of The Telegraph, Man United are discussing the signing of Fernandes, who is “expected” to leave West Ham this summer if they are relegated from the Premier League.
It's a deal that won't come cheap with previous reports suggesting it would take £55m to prize him away from East London.
It wouldn't be the first time that a Premier League club have landed a promising star from a relegated club and for Man United, they will continue their recruitment strategy.
Just last summer, INEOS completed a local shopping spree by welcoming mid-table stars such as Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Now, 12 months later, Fernandes is on his radar.
The Portuguese midfielder deserves such interest, too. He has been outstanding for West Ham all season and has earned plenty of praise from Nuno Espirito Santo as a result.
The West Ham boss told reporters that he believed Fernandes had “something special” about him earlier this season and he has been proven right ever since.
|
PL 25/26 P90 |
Mateus Fernandes |
Kobbie Mainoo |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,754 |
1,383 |
|
Pass Accuracy |
87.6% |
89.5% |
|
Opportunities Created |
1.05 |
1.17 |
|
Fighting |
3.04 |
2.21 |
|
Recovery |
5.46 |
5.21 |
On paper, the partnership between Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo could work wonders. The Carrington graduate creates more chances than the West Ham man per game, but he would be able to hide his weakness in tackling and the weaknesses of any potential arrival.
As cheap alternatives to Sandro Tonali, Fernandes should also be a solid option. West Ham will be in no position to negotiate if they are relegated, allowing Man United to enter. Newcastle, on the other hand, could hold a big fee like they did with Alexander Isak last summer.
Carrick deserves to stay at Man Utd, says Cunha
Despite all the focus on the transfer window, Michael Carrick won't soon forget his victory over Liverpool. It may have been enough to get the interim manager a permanent gig at Old Trafford and, as far as Matheus Cunha is concerned, he has found 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 team and, look, I'm sitting on the bench with him but the way he teaches everyone is amazing.
“I think he's like magic like these Ferguson moments, these kinds of things. And he's coming to bring it to us, teach us what it was like. And, yeah, being a part of everything he's done is a joy, and 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 impressive job since his temporary arrival.
Read next: The 4-2-3-1 manager is now clear favorite to land the Man Utd job
Mainoo's good news: The 4-2-3-1 manager is now clear favorite to land the Man Utd job
Manchester United may have decided on their new coach.
