Manchester United have renewed their interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, threatening to derail Tottenham’s pursuit of the 21-year-old Portugal international after Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious lower-body injury in Uruguay’s World Cup match against Spain.
According to MARCA journalist Matteo Moretto, United have made fresh contact with Fernandes’ camp in the last 48 hours and are willing to improve their contractual offer. They also plan to approach West Ham directly – a club that, post-relegation, has been holding firm on a valuation understood to be in the region of £80–85m.
“Manchester United is back in the chase for Mateus Fernandes. In the last few hours, there have been new contacts with the player; the Red Devils are willing to improve their contractual offer to convince him to sign. Manchester United also plans to hold direct talks with West Ham. Tottenham remains in the race and has pressed hard in recent days, but now United is trying to get ahead.” – Matteo Moretto, MARCA
A word on the source: MARCA carries roughly the same reliability premium as the Daily Mail, which is to say, treat it with respect for the lead and scepticism for the fine print. That said, United’s prior interest in Fernandes is well-documented – Fabrizio Romano reported official contact with his agent back in May – so the broad thrust here is plausible rather than fanciful.
The complication Spurs didn’t need
Spurs had appeared to be making genuine progress. Moretto himself had previously reported the club were very close to agreeing personal terms with Fernandes, even as formal club-to-club talks with West Ham had yet to begin. Fernandes had reportedly agreed terms with Spurs after United initially backed away, suggesting the player’s preference could shift again now that a richer offer is on the table.
The timing is awkward given Spurs’ midfield injury situation and the failed pursuit of Sandro Tonali – Newcastle have held firm on their valuation, leaving the club with limited alternatives. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has been floated as a fallback, which is fine as far as it goes, but it is not quite the same conversation.
The original article also notes, with a dry accuracy that will sting, that a player of Fernandes’ calibre could reasonably choose a different destination over a club that finished 17th two seasons running. Whether Spurs can close the deal before United fully re-enter the room is the question that matters now.
