3 Jun 2026 14:05 BST |
4 min read
Manchester United are set to step up their chase for another midfielder after agreeing to sign Ederson from Atalanta, with the club’s next signing already identified by Michael Carrick.
United are aiming to make major changes to their squad this summer after returning to the Champions League under Carrick and Ederson is set to arrive as the club’s first signing after a €45 million deal was agreed for the Brazilian.
Ederson’s signing is likely to be confirmed in the coming days and ESPN report that the 26-year-old’s arrival could soon be followed by an approach for Mateus Fernandes after West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.
United are said to have already made contact with West Ham for Fernandes, with the 21-year-old now believed to be the next piece of the puzzle for Carrick’s midfield.
Fernandes only joined West Ham last summer for €44m and his performances have led to interest from Arsenal and Liverpool as well as United but the Red Devils appear to be pushing the hardest to sign the midfielder.
West Ham had been holding out for around €80m to part ways with Fernandes but a lower fee is anticipated after the Hammers were relegated, leaving United in pole position to make another addition to their midfield.
Mateus Fernandes ready for linkup with Bruno at Man Utd
Fernandes has drawn plaudits after an impressive debut campaign for West Ham, even being nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award after providing three goals and four assists last season.
Bruno Fernandes is also believed to have sung the praises of his international teammate and namesake, with reports suggesting that the United captain recommending the club sign the West Ham star.
Mateus Fernandes is also thought to see Bruno an idol, which has made a move to United the most appealing option for the youngster and it remains to be seen if a deal can be struck with West Ham in the coming weeks.
With Fernandes missing out on a place in Portugal’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, United will have time to close a deal and could be able to finance a transfer after securing €44m from the permanent departure of Rasmus Hojlund.
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