£85m superstar is now ready to sign for Man Utd

It’s no secret that Manchester United have put the majority of their focus for the summer transfer window into landing added reinforcements in the midfield department.

Casemiro’s early announcement of his summer departure has handed the hierarchy a prolonged period of time to hunt down their chosen transfer targets.

Ederson’s £40m deal from Atalanta is just awaiting formal confirmation before a move is completed, but the Red Devils are still hoping to add multiple other additions to the heart of the side.

Dream target Elliot Anderson now appears to be unlikely to move to Old Trafford amid his £120m asking price, with rivals Manchester City now expected to wrap up a deal for the England star.

Now it begs the question as to who Michael Carrick and the recruitment team will turn to in a bid to land the quality needed to rise up the Premier League table once more in 2026/27.

£85m superstar now wants to join Man Utd this summer

United have already showcased their intent to spend big during the current transfer window, but it’s crucial that the hierarchy land the right player to take the club forward.

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been mentioned as one transfer target for the Red Devils after the Magpies missed out on securing European football next term.

Like with Anderson, City are also said to be keen on securing a deal for the Italian international, with at least £80m needed to land the 26-year-old in the months ahead.

He’s not the only player currently under consideration at Old Trafford, with West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes arguably the club’s number one transfer target.

According to Theatre of Red, the player himself is said to be extremely keen on securing a move to join Carrick’s men this summer after suffering relegation to the Championship.

The report states that Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on a move for the 21-year-old at present, but the player himself would rather join the Red Devils in the near future. Negotiations are currently ongoing over a deal.

However, any deal would likely cost United a small fortune during the current window, as the Hammers are said to be demanding at least £85m to offload the Portuguese international.

Why Fernandes would be the next Mbeumo for United

Spending big on proven Premier League talent hasn’t been alien to United in recent years, as seen with the £71m deal to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford last summer.

The Cameroonian international was one of the club’s key targets 12 months ago, and the deal to sign him proved to be an excellent piece of business for the Red Devils.

He netted 11 goals in his 33 top-flight matches throughout 2025/26, subsequently ending the campaign as joint top-scorer with fellow addition Benjamin Sesko.

The 26-year-old has nailed down his place as a regular starter and has undoubtedly played a key role in helping the club finish in the top three last campaign.

This summer now presents the perfect opportunity for the hierarchy to land added talents to help Carrick take the club to the next level throughout 2026/27 and beyond.

A move for Fernandes could provide United with the quality needed at the heart of the side to progress, whilst also emulating Mbeumo upon any move to Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international would be the next in a long line of players to move to Manchester after catching the eye within a side who are less established in the Premier League.

During his most recent campaign in England’s top-flight, Fernandes managed to make 3.1 tackles per 90 – subsequently ranking him in the top 14% of all players in Europe.

The aforementioned figure highlights his impressive ball-winning ability, something which the Red Devils will massively lack after Casemiro’s departure on a free transfer.

However, with the ball at his feet, the Hammers star has also caught the eye last season, as seen by his impressive tally of 0.8 successful dribbles per 90 in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old’s passing range is another key asset to his game, as only five players in England’s top tier managed to complete more accurate long balls per 90 throughout 2025/26.

Such a figure also ranks him in the top 5% of deep-lying midfielders in England, which could see him provide Mbeumo with added chances in the final third next campaign.

There’s no denying Fernandes is already a superb all-round midfield option, and his desire to move to Old Trafford will only bode well in the club’s hunt to land his signature.

The current £85m fee could prove to be a stumbling block, but it’s crucial that the hierarchy continue their discussions with West Ham to try and reduce the potential transfer.

However, should he emulate Mbeumo’s success in Manchester, a deal would be worth every penny, and it could prove to be one that sets the club up for Premier League success in the near future.