Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a summer transfer move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, valued at £38 million. The Red Devils are pressing ahead with recruitment plans despite uncertainty over their next permanent head coach. Strengthening central midfield is a priority given the impending departure of Casemiro and the club's determination to offload Manuel Ugarte, who has disappointed since his move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Midfield Overhaul on the Cards
Kobbie Mainoo has committed his future to his boyhood club, but United aim to sign at least two more midfielders to complement their options. Several names are on the radar, including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Adam Scott. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has also emerged as a target to become the long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 role.
Fernandes Impresses Amid West Ham Struggles
Mateus Fernandes has been added to United's list of potential targets following his impressive form for the struggling Hammers. West Ham's likely relegation could force them to sell prized assets, including Fernandes, who joined from Southampton in a £38 million deal last summer.
Roy Keane Questions Mainoo's Potential
Despite Mainoo's improvement and new contract, former United captain Roy Keane remains unconvinced. 'I'm still not convinced with him. He's a really good young player, still a kid, with only 70-odd first-team games,' Keane said. 'He still hasn't convinced me. I hope he does start regularly next year. The kid has to do a lot more.'
Keane questioned whether Mainoo possesses the raw athleticism required for modern midfield play, especially in high-intensity transition moments. 'The only problem is, when people talk about if he's explosive enough, can you improve on that if you're not quick off the mark?' Keane asked. 'The last six months will be quite good for him. For a young player at a big club, he came on the scene, got headlines, did well, and got involved with England. The last few months, people have talked about him going out on loan, but sometimes you have to sit and learn.'
