For the second time in a week, Manchester United have been forced to watch a midfield target slip away. Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to pay West Ham £85m for Mateus Fernandes, leaving United to confront a summer of frustration. The club had pushed hard for the player but, after Spurs made their interest known, West Ham stuck to their valuation. United were willing to pay £85m including add-ons, but feared Tottenham would go to £90m if they raised their bid. “It is precisely the kind of situation they are keen to avoid,” sources said. United feel their position is a responsible one.
But as June flips into July, Old Trafford is still waiting for its first signing. Out-of-contract players Casemiro and Jadon Sancho have left, and Rasmus Hojlund’s £38m exit was confirmed in May. No one has arrived. United had earlier missed out on top target Elliot Anderson when Manchester City agreed a club record £116m deal with Nottingham Forest. United made clear they were not prepared to spend £120m on the England international.
“Manchester United have missed out on a second midfield target as Tottenham agree £85m for Fernandes.”
United have agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but his late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad means his medical will not happen until Carlo Ancelotti’s side are out of the competition. Like all United players representing their countries, he will then get a minimum of three weeks off. United want at least one more midfielder, possibly two.
After missing out on Fernandes, the club are assessing options. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has been linked, though Arsenal have been told he is not for sale. Tyler Adams, Carlos Baleba, and former Manchester City academy player Felix Nmecha – known to United’s director of football Jason Wilcox – have also been mentioned. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is monitored, but the feeling is he will stay at the Bernabeu.
The Standard called Tottenham’s move a sign of the times. “Outmuscling Manchester United financially is a real sign of the times as the Lewis family stick to their word,” it reported. For United, the clock is ticking.