Man Utd's Reasoning Behind Mateus Fernandes Revealed After West Ham Relegation

Manchester United go into the 2026 summer transfer window with one huge priority: solving the midfield crisis. 

Casemiro has already left the club, and it seems like Manuel Ugarte is destined to follow him later in the window. Mason Mount proved against Brighton that he could deputise in deeper midfield, but that still leaves United needing at least two more options. 

Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni seem to be the favourites to replace Casemiro, but finding the second midfielder could be more of a challenge. Not because of their price tag, though. 

Ederson has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with a "verbal agreement" reportedly agreed days ago, but West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes seems likely, too. 

Roundtable understands that Michael Carrick loves Mateus Fernandes, while the player himself sees Old Trafford as his dream move. 

While West Ham United have now been relegated from the Premier League, Michael Carrick's side were interested in their Portuguese playmaker before that was confirmed. 

However, a move has now been made easier, so why exactly are United interested in Fernandes? 

Pete Hall of the I Paper has reported that Fernandes' ability on the ball is the main reason behind United's interest. 

The club also like that he could provide competition for Kobbie Mainoo, who as it stands, is United's only natural box-to-box midfielder. 

This could see Mason Mount's gametime limited next season, although he will also be seen as a backup for Bruno Fernandes, with Champions League games to play, too. 

With any new additions this summer, it is important to understand how they fit the squad and how they would work with players already in the team. 

Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo seem like the first names on Michael Carrick's team sheet at the moment, especially after Casemiro's departure, so how could Fernandes combine with them? 

Firstly, it is key to stress that this would not be the recognised starting midfield trio. Carrick would be much more likely to go with a midfield of Mainoo, Fernandes and a recognised ball winner, or at least someone more defensive minded. 

However, it is likely that the Fernandes duo and Mainoo could play together against lesser Premier League sides and in some cup competitions. 

On paper, they could combine to create lots of chances and dominate the ball for the majority of the 90 minutes.

But in reality, Mainoo and M.Fernandes may lack legs together and struggle to cover the ground necessary. Against lesser opponents, this may not be too much of an issue, but it would be quite a gamble.