Not Anderson or Tonali: Man Utd have ‘closely assessed’ £42m Portugal midfielder who idolises Bruno Fernandes

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·28. Mai 2026

Not Anderson or Tonali: Man Utd have ‘closely assessed’ £42m Portugal midfielder who idolises Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United chiefs are doing their due diligence on any potential midfield arrivals this summer, with Mateus Fernandes one who’s been ‘closely assessed’, according to The Telegraph.

The one-capped Portugal international, who missed out on a call-up to Roberto Martinez’s World Cup squad, is expected to leave West Ham following their relegation to the Championship.

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Irons resigned to losing Mateus Fernandes

West Ham are hoping a bidding war will arise for Fernandes amid growing interest across Europe.

Mateus Fernandes scores from close range and West Ham are back in it 👀 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
– Sonntag, 5. April 2026

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They agreed a deal worth £42 million for him only last August, which came after he had also just been relegated with Southampton.

Once again, the 21-year-old is aiming to secure a move back to the top flight, and United may well offer him the chance to do so.

Old Trafford is also said to be Fernandes’ first pick heading into the window, so the ball is really in INEOS’ court to negotiate an agreement with the Irons.

The youngster made 36 Premier League appearances across 2025/2026, racking up 3,026 minutes of action and even contributing three goals and four assists – though his best efforts were ultimately not enough to keep West Ham in the division.

Fernandes’ complete Premier League record over the last two campaigns

Why Fernandes might favour United over his other suitors

Previously, Fernandes disclosed that the player he looks up to most in football is compatriot and United skipper, Bruno Fernandes.

When directly asked who his footballing role model was, he responded: “The biggest one right now is Bruno [Fernandes] because of the player he already is.”

Alas, you’d imagine he would relish the opportunity to play alongside the United talisman at both club and international level, where he can continue developing his game as the understudy of the best player in the entirety of the Premier League.