Manchester United Target Mateus Fernandes After Elliot Anderson Deal Falls Through

Manchester United’s summer midfield plan is being redrawn in real time, and a new name now sits at the top of the Old Trafford agenda: Mateus Fernandes.

INEOS have stepped away from a move for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest’s £130million valuation turned negotiations into a non-starter. United’s stance is clear – they will not be dragged into an auction at those numbers – and that has pushed them firmly towards West Ham United’s Portuguese midfielder.

From Anderson to Fernandes

The shift was underlined early on June 11. Tyrone Marshall, Chief Manchester United correspondent for the Manchester Evening News, wrote on X at 7:59am:

“Manchester United unwilling to pay £120million for Elliot Anderson and won’t be drawn into a bidding war.

“They want players who want to join them and, as it stands, they are focusing on other targets, with Mateus Fernandes at the top of the list #mufc”

That last line matters. With West Ham relegated to the Championship, Fernandes has become one of the standout assets likely to move, and United have wasted little time in positioning themselves.

Talks underway with Fernandes camp

Fabrizio Romano has now moved the story on. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist confirmed that United have opened official lines of communication with the player’s representatives and are working towards a formal offer.

“Manchester United are in official contact with the agent of the player.

“Manchester United already started the conversation with the agent to start preparing a bid to West Ham, so Man Utd are for sure in conversations with Mateus Fernandes.

“So, we have to take this into consideration and then see how other clubs will react because there are more clubs, not only Man Utd, not only Real Madrid, so it’s going to be an interesting race surely.”

The message is unmistakable: United are not just monitoring. They are actively preparing a bid.

A crowded field for a rising midfielder

United will not get a clear run at the 21-year-old. TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs has echoed Romano’s line, reporting that United are already in talks on the player side, while outlining a high-profile chasing pack.

Jacobs wrote on X at 3:43pm on June 11:

“Movement expected on Mateus Fernandes’ future this month.

“Manchester United already in talks on the player side.

“PSG and Arsenal also hold appreciation.

“Real Madrid the latest suitor to make contact.

“West Ham want double the £38m+£4m they paid, but despite this valuation as sale is expected.”

West Ham’s stance is uncompromising. Having paid £38m plus £4m in add-ons, they now want roughly double that outlay. Romano had already put a number on it earlier this month, posting on X at 7:04pm on June 8:

“Understand Matheus Fernandes price tag has been fixed by West Ham in a meeting with his camp: £85m.

“Manchester United in contact with player side, more clubs also attentive and keen.”

So the parameters are set. Around £85m for a 21-year-old Portugal international, with Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG and Arsenal all circling.

United’s midfield rebuild gathers pace

This is not an isolated move. TEAMtalk reported on May 14 that Fernandes is “extremely keen” on a switch to Old Trafford, and that United already have a deal in place with Atalanta for Ederson Silva. A double midfield reinforcement would represent a significant reshaping of Erik ten Hag’s options.

The Fernandes angle has another layer. He reportedly fancies the idea of linking up with his Portugal international teammate Bruno Fernandes at club level. For United, that potential on-pitch chemistry, combined with age profile and resale value, makes him an attractive – if expensive – cornerstone for the next phase of the rebuild.

The race is on, the price is steep, and the competition is elite. Now the question is simple: will Manchester United push hard enough, and fast enough, to make Mateus Fernandes the face of their new midfield?