It’s time for UCL preparations - Man Utd want another Fernandes, another Portuguese

Manchester United will play in the UEFA Champions League next season, and that - after a year without European football - brings certain responsibilities. First and foremost, the need to expand the squad. The Red Devils will have to be very active in the summer transfer window, with a particular focus on strengthening the midfield.

For weeks, at least a dozen names have been mentioned, but according to the well-informed The Telegraph, a serious candidate to arrive at Old Trafford is Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United. That means United could soon have another Mateus after Matheus Cunha, and another Fernandes alongside captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes played in the Premier League last season with Southampton, and after their relegation, he avoided the EFL Championship thanks to a €44 million move to West Ham. He has been one of the Hammers’ most consistent performers this season, but once again faces the threat of relegation, with the London side sitting 18th with three rounds remaining.

West Ham will find it difficult to keep the 21-year-old, and United would particularly benefit if the Hammers drop to the Championship, as that would likely trigger a necessary sell-off of players whose quality exceeds the second tier.

At United, only captain Bruno Fernandes (who is under contract until the summer of 2027 and whom the club hopes to keep despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia) and Kobbie Mainoo are seen as guaranteed midfield options for next season. Casemiro is certain to leave Old Trafford, Manuel Ugarte is expected to be sold, while the future of Mason Mount remains unclear.

Finally, it’s worth noting that United have also been linked with a number of other midfielders, including Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid, last year’s target Carlos Baleba, as well as Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson.