Mateus Fernandes: Man United keen to pounce on market opportunity for midfield dynamo though face familiar hurdle

Strengthening the midfield remains at the very top of Manchester United’s priorities this year.

The Red Devils’ engine room is simply not where it needs to be. There is a clear need to upgrade on Manuel Ugarte , who has struggled to cement his place in the side.

Meanwhile, age is catching up with Casemiro ; his legs have gone, and United could certainly do with a younger version of him.

It is obvious that the 20‑time English champions require more than one midfield addition if they are to properly address the problem. And one of those reinforcements could well be Mateus Fernandes .

Caught Offside relay reports linking United once again with Fernandes, a player they could have signed last summer before he joined West Ham United.

Since arriving in East London, Fernandes has been a revelation. Despite the Hammers’ struggles, he has emerged as their bright spark, arguably their standout performer this season.

Yet while West Ham will hope to keep him long term, their precarious situation could force them into a difficult decision.

The Hammers are locked in a relegation fight and will be praying they avoid the drop.

Caught Offside claim: “Manchester clubs are positioned to make a move if West Ham drop into the Championship.”

The midfielder is said to have a relegation exit clause. Should West Ham fall, the ex‑Southampton man could be available at a bargain price, a “massive market opportunity” that both City and United are keen to exploit.

The report further uncovers an intriguing winter transfer stance that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side appear prepared to take. Caught Offside add: “The Hammers are open to negotiating an early exit in January if it prevents them from losing the midfielder for significantly less in the summer should relegation occur.”

The question now is whether United seize West Ham’s willingness to do business this winter, or wait to strike in the summer.

What is clear, however, is that they must remain alert if they are to pip their bitter rivals to the tenacious midfielder. At 21, Fernandes could inject the bite that United’s midfield so desperately lacks.

His progressive ball‑carrying, relentless defensive work rate, and ability to break lines with both dribbling and passing would represent a genuine upgrade on the current options.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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