The Peoples Person
·12 March 2026
Mateus Fernandes: What Man United scouts think about “high-priority” target

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Yahoo sportsThe Peoples Person
·12 March 2026

Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.
United’s managerial situation remains unclear despite a promising start under interim head coach Michael Carrick. However, one thing is certain: a midfield overhaul will take place at Old Trafford irrespective of who is at the helm for the next campaign.
A report suggests that United have already started working on getting the deal done for one of their midfield targets.
According to SportsBoom, Manchester United hold the most concrete and persistent interest in Mateus Fernandes.
It is understood that the West Ham midfielder’s ball retention and vision have “established him as one of the Premier League’s most coveted modern box-to-box players.”
United have identified the Portuguese as a “high-priority” target after their scouts “personally monitored Fernandes from the stands, specifically during matches against Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Fulham.”
It is believed Fernandes has already passed technical and physical resilience tests with “flying colours”. Still, United will “continue to report on the player weekly” until the end of the season, as per “leaked information”.
United have been on the 21-year-old midfielder’s trail since January, having already made “initial contact” with the London club during the winter transfer window.
The “modern-day regista”, who has raised eyebrows with his ability to play between the lines combined with his exceptional ground coverage, is also being followed by Arsenal, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.
Amid growing interest, West Ham are expected to open negotiations in the €65–€75 million range.
Fernandes is on a long-term contract at West Ham, having joined them from Southampton only last summer.
Still, the Hammers would find it difficult to keep hold of him if they get relegated to the Championship.
Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images
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