Manchester United Are Still In The Race For This West Ham United Ace: Should Carrick Step Up His Pursuit? | OneFootball

In a recent interview with talkSPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Manchester United are still in the race for West Ham United ace Mateus Fernandes.

Jacobs said, “Manchester United are still in talks with the player at the time of recording and West Ham United, and Tottenham are there as well.

“We’ve heard some suggestions in the last 24-48 hours that it’s a done deal with Spurs. We’re not there yet.

“Tottenham have been in advanced talks with the player; Manchester United’s talks with the player pre-date Tottenham entering the race – and again, it could change very quickly.

“But at the time I’m recording this, Fernandes has not made a decision on which club he wants to join – and there could be others to enter the race as well.

“Remember, Arsenal were there a little bit earlier in the summer before the window opened; Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also hold appreciation too.

“But Manchester United are still in formal talks with West Ham, and what I sense here is both Man United and Spurs are waiting to see if they can get that communication from the player that he only wants to join a particular club – and then you’re in a stronger position to negotiate with West Ham United.”

Fernandes’ Impressive Rise In English Football

Fernandes enjoyed a good run of form for the Hammers in the previous campaign. He made 42 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring five times and earning five assists in multiple competitions.

The 21-year-old is currently among the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Hence, Man United would do well to win the race for his services this summer.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Mateus Fernandes of West Ham reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford and West Ham United at Gtech Community Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

His current contract at the London Stadium will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for the Red Devils to sign him on the cheap later this year.

Should Manchester United Step Up Their Pursuit Of Fernandes

Fernandes works hard for his team defensively and can shoot the ball with power from long range. He has the vision to play some decisive passes in the final third and is full of energy and running at the centre of the park.

The Portuguese sensation is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can play as a defensive midfielder or in the number ten position if required. He is already quite familiar with the Premier League and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Old Trafford.

Fernandes would enhance the quality of Man United boss Michael Carrick’s midfield in the long run. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the Mancunian club next season.

At 21, the future looks quite bright for Fernandes. Thus, Carrick would be wise to step up his pursuit of him in this transfer period.