Manchester United’s summer midfield rebuild just hit another snag. The club missed out on Matheus Fernandes, the West Ham standout who’s now headed to Tottenham for a staggering £85 million. And the reason he chose Spurs over United? It wasn’t just the money.
According to multiple reports, including one from trusted reporter David Ornstein, Tottenham submitted the highest guaranteed bid — around £85 million — and the 21-year-old midfielder picked north London over Manchester. But sources close to Fernandes insist the checkbook wasn’t the only factor. His camp told TEAMtalk that Fernandes was genuinely sold on Roberto De Zerbi’s vision at Spurs. That, plus the chance to stay in London, sealed it.
United had been reluctant to match West Ham’s valuation all along. That stance cost them. They’d already lost out on Elliot Anderson, who’s bound for Manchester City. And with Manuel Ugarte out with a serious knee injury, the midfield is suddenly looking thin. Ederson Silva is coming in from Atalanta for around £38 million, but that’s only one piece of a puzzle that needs more than one.
Plan B: Alex Scott and others
Now the Red Devils are pivoting. Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is the next name on the list. Bournemouth values him around £80 million and wants to lock him into a new deal with a release clause. But they’re not the only ones interested. Arsenal, Manchester City, Spurs and Chelsea are all keeping tabs on Scott. Arsenal has already been directly informed of Bournemouth’s position.
Scott is versatile, plays with real composure in midfield and fits the profile United are looking for. But at that price, it’s not a sure thing. United has already shown they won’t just throw money at problems this summer.
Jacobs also listed other targets: Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni is still on the radar, along with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Sandro Tonali, who’s attracted interest from Spurs and City, is appreciated internally but the cost would need to drop significantly for United to move. And Sander Berge? He’s been discussed too, though he’d be more of a pragmatic option than a marquee signing.
It’s a messy window for Michael Carrick’s side so far. They have one midfield signing locked in. They’ve swung and missed on several others. And the clock is ticking.
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