Mateus Fernandes: Real Madrid 'working on hijack bid' for Manchester United midfield target

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Evening Standard

·9. Juni 2026

Mateus Fernandes: Real Madrid 'working on hijack bid' for Manchester United midfield target

Bad news for Man United in their pursuit of the £80m-rated midfielder

Real Madrid are working on a sensational hijack of Manchester United’s move for Mateus Fernandes as Jose Mourinho weighs up an overhaul of the squad.

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That is according to reports in Spain, with publication AS claiming Mourinho has made the signing of Fernandes one of his priorities prior to his Real Madrid return as head coach being officially announced.

This development will serve as a warning to Man United as Michael Carrick is expected to bolster his squad by signing at least two new midfielders this summer.

Man Utd have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Ederson for £35million, with the deal likely to be completed after the World Cup

Meanwhile, United have shown an interest in Fernandes, who is expected to leave West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League ahead of the new season.

Standard Sport understands the Hammers have set an aspirational asking price of £80m for the highly-rated midfielder as internally they believe he can go on to become one of the best players on the planet in the next two years.

In-demand: Mateus Fernandes

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Although Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with interest in Fernandes, Man Utd had looked best placed to swoop for 21-year-old.

However, if reports in Spain are to be believed, then the midfielder could be on his way to Real Madrid as Mourinho is believed to have ‘complete confidence’ that the Portugal international can have an immediate impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Furthermore, the report states Jorge Mendes, who represents both Mourinho and Fernandes, ‘is already working on a deal’ to bring the West Ham midfielder to the Spanish capital.