Real Madrid step back from signing their £80 million target, thinking Man Utd will get him instead.
Manchester United are reportedly in the lead to sign one of Europe’s most exciting midfielders after two other clubs, including Real Madrid, cooled their interest in the £80 million-rated player.
The team at Old Trafford plans to sign at least two midfielders this summer to replace Casemiro, who is leaving. Earlier this month, United agreed to sign Ederson from Serie A side Atalanta in a deal worth about £35 million plus £4 million in bonuses.
Besides Ederson, other players have been linked with a move this summer, like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, though he seems more likely to join Manchester City in what could be a British record transfer. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali are also mentioned, but the most serious talks appear to be for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.
According to The Sun, United are leading the race to sign Fernandes. Real Madrid, who have kept an eye on him, now expect him to join Manchester United. Arsenal have also cooled their interest in the Portuguese player.
West Ham values Fernandes at around £80 million, but United hope to find a compromise after West Ham’s relegation to the Championship. Despite this, Fernandes was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League last season in terms of distance covered. He’s well-known for his strong defensive work and tough tackling. In the 2025-26 season, he completed more tackles, interceptions, and duels won than Casemiro.
The 21-year-old midfielder usually plays as a number 8, moving the ball forward, and he also had more successful dribbles per game than Casemiro, showing his skill in tight spaces.