Manchester United have revived their interest in West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes as they intensify plans to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new campaign.
After reports suggested that Tottenham Hotspur had moved into pole position for the Portuguese star’s signature, United have now returned to the negotiating table with renewed determination, hoping to overturn the situation before a deal is finalized.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the Red Devils have re-established contact with Fernandes and his representatives over the last few hours.
The club is believed to have reassessed its strategy and is now prepared to improve the personal terms previously offered to the 21-year-old in an effort to convince him that Old Trafford remains the best destination for his career.
Club officials reportedly believe that a more attractive financial package, combined with the opportunity to play Champions League football, could be enough to swing the race back in United’s favor.
In addition to reopening discussions with the player’s camp, Manchester United are also preparing to engage directly with West Ham United in fresh negotiations.
Although Tottenham remain firmly involved and continue to push for an agreement, United are determined not to surrender without a fight.
The club’s recruitment department has reportedly been instructed to explore every possible avenue to complete the transfer, signaling that Fernandes has once again become one of the priority names on their summer shortlist.
The sudden shift in Manchester United’s approach appears to have been heavily influenced by the unfortunate injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte during Uruguay’s recent World Cup clash against Spain.
The midfielder was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining what is feared to be a serious injury.
Initial reports suggest the recovery period could stretch to as long as twelve months, dealing a significant blow to both the player and the club’s transfer strategy.
Before Ugarte’s injury, United had reportedly been planning to offload the Uruguayan this summer and replace him with a younger option capable of fitting into Michael Carrick’s long-term midfield plans. Those plans have now been thrown into uncertainty.
Losing Ugarte for an extended period means the club must rethink its priorities, and Fernandes has once again emerged as one of the leading candidates to reinforce the squad.
Despite their renewed interest, there remains one major obstacle standing in the way of a deal. West Ham continue to value Fernandes at around £80 million, a figure Manchester United had previously considered excessive.
Earlier in the transfer window, the Red Devils were reluctant to meet that asking price, believing it represented too significant an investment for a player still developing at the highest level.
Whether the circumstances surrounding Ugarte’s injury will convince the club to change its stance remains to be seen.
United’s hierarchy now faces an important decision. They can either return with an improved bid that satisfies West Ham’s demands or continue searching for alternative midfield targets elsewhere.
However, with competition from Tottenham still very much alive and Fernandes reportedly attracting interest from other clubs, delaying any further action could prove costly.
As the summer transfer window continues to gather pace, Manchester United are expected to make their next move soon.
The coming days could determine whether Mateus Fernandes becomes the latest addition to Carrick’s rebuilding project or slips through United’s grasp in favor of another Premier League rival.
One thing is certain: the race for the talented Portuguese midfielder is far from over, and the battle for his signature is entering a decisive stage.
