Manchester United are zeroing in on two midfield targets this summer, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott emerging as the club’s preferred options for reinforcing the engine room. The decision marks a clear strategic pivot, with United deliberately stepping away from a potential bidding war for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
The Fernandes factor: price tag politics
Mateus Fernandes, the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder, has quickly become one of the most coveted young talents in the Premier League. He joined West Ham for £42 million in August 2025 and has since established himself as an essential figure at the London Stadium.
West Ham reportedly values him at around £80 million for any transfer negotiations this summer, nearly double what they paid barely a year ago.
United are not prepared to pay the full asking price. The club is hoping to negotiate a deal closer to £60 million, creating a gap of roughly £20 million between the two sides.
