Manchester United Focus on Mateus Fernandes After Elliot Anderson Deal Falls Through

Manchester United have drawn a hard line in this summer’s midfield rebuild – and it runs straight through Mateus Fernandes.

INEOS have walked away from a move for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest’s price rocketed towards £130 million, and the focus at Old Trafford has shifted decisively to West Ham United’s 21-year-old Portugal international.

West Ham’s relegation to the Championship has only sharpened the sense that Fernandes is there to be taken. United intend to test that theory.

Anderson off the table, Fernandes to the top

The mood around United’s recruitment became clear 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 message set the tone. United will not chase Anderson into a financial arms race. They would rather push hard for a player who is both attainable and eager to come.

TEAMtalk reported on May 14 that Fernandes is “extremely keen” on a move to Old Trafford. The prospect of lining up alongside his Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes is said to appeal strongly. For a club trying to restore its pull, that matters.

Romano: ‘Official contact’ and a bid in the works

The interest is no longer theoretical. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United have moved from admiration to action.

On his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist stated:

“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 plan is clear: build the framework of a deal on the player side, then go to West Ham with a formal offer.

Romano previously revealed on X at 7:04pm on June 8 that West Ham had set their price in a meeting with the player’s camp:

“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.”

£85 million. A huge number for a 21-year-old, but still significantly short of the Anderson figures that forced United to walk away.

A crowded race for a relegated star

United are not alone at the table.

TalkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs reported further movement on June 11, posting on X at 3:43pm:

“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 unapologetic. They paid an initial £38m plus £4m in add-ons and now, after relegation, want roughly double that outlay – a figure that tallies with Romano’s £85m tag.

The Hammers know what they have: a young, high-ceiling midfielder with elite clubs circling. Relegation weakens their hand in sporting terms, but the level of interest keeps the financial leverage strong.

PSG. Arsenal. Real Madrid. United. It is not a quiet market.

United’s midfield puzzle

All of this unfolds against a wider reshaping of United’s engine room.

The club already have a deal in place with Atalanta for Ederson Silva, adding another layer to the summer plan. If Ederson arrives and United push through for Mateus Fernandes, the profile of Erik ten Hag’s – or any incoming coach’s – midfield changes dramatically: younger legs, higher resale value, and a core that can grow with the project.

United’s hierarchy, under INEOS, have signalled they will not be dragged into auctions that make no sense. Walking away from Anderson underlines that. Pushing hard for Fernandes, at a price they believe can still be justified, shows where they think the value lies.

The next move belongs to Old Trafford’s negotiators. With the player keen, the price set, and Europe’s heavyweights circling, how boldly are Manchester United prepared to play this hand?