Manchester United are growing increasingly confident they can sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes during the summer transfer window, according to reports.
A source on X states that United hold considerable interest in the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder and that optimism over completing a deal is building ahead of the window.
Sky Sports has also named Fernandes as one of several midfielders on United’s radar as the club plans a significant reshuffle in that area of the pitch.
Other names linked to United include Tyler Adams, Alex Scott, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali, suggesting a wide-ranging search for midfield reinforcements.
Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton in 2025, with The Guardian reporting at the time that the Hammers paid around £38 million to secure his services.
West Ham’s official website described Fernandes as a ‘special talent’, a label that reflects the club’s high regard for the young midfielder following that significant investment.
The fee West Ham paid means the London club will expect a substantial return if any club comes calling, making negotiations a potentially costly exercise for United.
Fernandes fits the profile United appear to be targeting: young, technically sharp, energetic and with considerable room for further development at the highest level.
United have faced criticism in recent years for signing players too late in their careers, and pursuing Fernandes would represent a more youthful and forward-looking approach to recruitment.
From United’s perspective, midfield reinforcement is a clear priority. Casemiro is departing, and Manuel Ugarte’s future at the club also remains in serious doubt heading into the summer.
Manager Michael Carrick has outlined what qualities he wants from new midfield signings. The Sun reported that Carrick wants composure, expression, positivity, athleticism and defensive discipline from his recruits.
Those requirements closely match the attributes Fernandes has displayed, which explains why United’s scouting staff have been monitoring him during the course of the season.
There is also a national connection that adds a layer of interest to the potential deal, with Bruno Fernandes remaining one of United’s most influential and important players.
Mateus Fernandes and Bruno Fernandes represent different profiles in midfield, but the Portuguese link could help United build greater cohesion and technical fluency in the engine room.
United’s reported interest in multiple midfielders indicates that Fernandes is one of several options under consideration rather than the sole target in that position this summer.
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