Mateus Fernandes still has his heart set on joining Manchester United this summer — even after reaching a verbal agreement with Tottenham Hotspur.
The 21-year-old West Ham midfielder is set to depart the London Stadium following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, with a host of elite clubs competing for his signature including Spurs, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham moved decisively this week to secure the Portuguese starlet, and it is understood a verbal agreement between the two parties is now in place. However, West Ham are yet to receive a transfer fee, with the relegated club holding firm on an £80 million asking price.
Despite that agreement, journalist Andy Mitten has revealed Fernandes’ true priority remains a move to Old Trafford.
“Manchester United understand that the player wants to join the club,” Mitten said on the Talk of the Devils podcast. “I’m told that he would play for Spurs but he prefers Manchester United.”
Mitten added that West Ham are pushing for an auction to maximise their return, with agent Jorge Mendes also playing a significant role in the situation. United, however, are reluctant to meet the £80m valuation — a figure that represents a significant markup on the £38m plus £4m in add-ons they paid Southampton for Fernandes just a year ago.
Mitten drew comparisons to United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, urging patience from frustrated supporters.
“It boils down to how much Manchester United are willing to pay,” he said. “It’s exactly the same as Mbeumo — it wasn’t a disgrace, it was smart negotiation.”
He also cited United CEO Omar Berrada’s recent comments, in which Berrada stressed the club would remain disciplined and avoid being dictated to by market forces or agents throughout the transfer window.
