Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes after a purge of midfield talent during Ruben Amorim’s tenure as manager. The Portuguese attracted United’s attention towards the end of last season, when they suffered relegation at Southampton.
After United missed the chance to sign the 21-year-old, the Hammers swooped in for him for £38m plus £4m in add-ons. Despite the London club’s difficulties this season, Fernandes has shown flashes of brilliance and will almost certainly be on his way if West Ham drop out of the division. The Telegraph reports that even if the Hammers manage to avoid his release, it may be difficult to keep the youngster amid growing interest from multiple clubs, including United.
United have reportedly kept an eye on him throughout this campaign and have significantly increased their interest. Fernandes recently joined Portugal’s first-team squad, alongside Bruno Fernandes, who was sufficiently impressed to recommend him to United, The Sun reports.
Matthäus respects his namesake and said this before his international debut. “Right now, the biggest player (role model) is Bruno, because he is already like that. When I was at Sporting, I looked up to him and tried to learn from him.
“He plays in the same league as me, he has a lot of experience with the national team and I try to watch him a lot in the Premier League. He definitely stands out.”
Portugal national team coach Roberto Martínez was equally impressed, calling his progress “incredible”. With his progress, he could be selected for Martinez’s World Cup squad.
Even before Casemiro’s impending departure was confirmed in January, it was abundantly clear that strengthening the midfield would be a top priority this summer. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Wolves’ Joao Gomez have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Real Madrid’s Aurélien Choameny is also included in this slot. The Frenchman is reportedly high on the club’s midfield shortlist and could be released if the 15-time European champions are able to secure a suitable player.
There has been encouraging progress on the midfield front, with Koby Mainu agreeing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2031, capping a surprising turn of fortune for the England international who at one point looked destined to leave after struggling to secure a regular place under Amorim.
