Manchester United are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window and have already started their midfield rebuild.
After a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, securing a return to Champions League football, the Red Devils are keen to continue their progress and compete for silverware once again.
Michael Carrick will lead United into a season with a much more congested fixture schedule at Old Trafford, so the true test of the progress they have made over the last six months now lies ahead.
What are Man United’s transfer plans?
Earlier this month, United agreed the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson in a £38m four-year deal.
However, it has been widely reported that the club are keen to add further quality in the centre of the pitch and will seek at least one more midfield signing before the transfer window closes.
Not only that, they are looking to strengthen their attacking threat too, but with a strict recruitment structure, they are unlikely to make several signings without moving on current players like Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte.
Who are Man United linked with?
As always, Man United are linked with numerous players, including Julian Alvarez, Felix Nmecha and Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey.
Perhaps the player they have been most closely linked with is West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the relegated side quoting interested clubs an £80m asking price.
The Red Devils are yet to make a formal approach for the Portuguese star, but with the financial year set to end on July 1, there are fresh reports suggesting they will finally make their move.
Transfer expert Matteo Moretto revealed on social media platform X:
“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.”
Should Man United sign Mateus Fernandes?
Despite being relegated with the Hammers last season, Fernandes was one of the brightest midfield talents in the Premier League.
There are several reasons why the Portugal international would be a great addition to United’s midfield for the future, with both his age and profile making him an ideal fit.
The 21-year-old, once hailed as “exceptional” by Jan Molby, has already gained valuable Premier League experience and, at such a young age, has the potential to develop his skillset even further.
Fernandes ranked among the top ten midfielders for distance covered in the Premier League last season, ahead of every Manchester United player apart from Bruno Fernandes.
Not only that, United had previously been linked with moves for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
The pair have price tags of more than £100m, with the latter in the process of signing for Manchester City for £116m.
While Fernandes’ price tag would still represent a significant investment for United, it is considerably lower than the asking prices of other Premier League midfielders this summer.
For a club looking to build a younger, more energetic squad capable of competing across four competitions, Fernandes appears to tick all the right boxes.
The challenge for United now will be ensuring they don’t allow another Premier League rival to win the race for one of the division’s brightest midfield talents.
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