Manchester United thought they were in the driver’s seat for Mateus Fernandes. Then Real Madrid called. And then they stopped calling. Now the whole race has a different feel to it.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid has officially ruled out a move for the 21-year-old midfielder after making an initial inquiry. That sounds like good news for United at first. But the reason Madrid walked away is what should worry Old Trafford. The report says Fernandes prefers a move to Tottenham, where he believes he’ll get more playing time to develop.
Tottenham is pushing hard under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. They already locked in a £52 million deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. They launched an £85 million bid for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali that got rejected. And now they’re chasing Fernandes hard despite the natural rivalry with West Ham. De Zerbi sees the spine of his squad as the main problem, and Fernandes fits exactly what he wants.
Fernandes spent last season at West Ham after Southampton went down. He went down with them again. Two relegations in two seasons. That hasn’t scared off anyone though. He’s one of the most sought-after young midfielders on the market. His one cap for Portugal only adds to the buzz.
United thought they had an edge. They talked to his camp. They heard he considers a move to M16 a dream scenario. Playing Champions League ball alongside his idol Bruno Fernandes was apparently a big draw. But dreams don’t always match reality when another club offers a clearer path to the starting eleven.
There’s a sense in United’s camp that agent Jorge Mendes is doing what Jorge Mendes does — stirring up noise to drive the price up. Fernandes has plenty of suitors. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, and PSG have all shown interest. But Mendes has a reputation for turning transfer sagas into theater. United’s hierarchy thinks they’re still in control, but West Ham isn’t budging from that £80 million valuation.
The Athletic says a formal offer from United is expected soon. That suggests both sides believe a compromise is possible. But if Tottenham keeps pushing and Fernandes keeps leaning their way, United might have to move faster than they’d like.
As for Real Madrid, they’ve already moved on. The club is now targeting Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, with talks already underway. Jose Mourinho wanted more energy in midfield and was willing to sacrifice players like Aurélien Tchouaméni or Eduardo Camavinga to make it happen. But when Fernandes picked Spurs over the Bernabeu, Madrid pivoted fast.
So United is left wondering whether they’re still the frontrunner or just another team in a long line of clubs waiting on a decision that might not go their way.
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