Man Utd set to shun Bruno Fernandes transfer request for two reasons – Sky Sports

Manchester United are unlikely to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes , who Bruno Fernandes has allegedly brought forward.

The Red Devils are planning to sign two or three new midfielders in the summer, so they’re currently being linked with a host of potential candidates.

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While the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali are considered the dream targets, more affordable alternatives like Mateus Fernandes have also emerged .

The 21-year-old is a Sporting Club youth product who has signed for Southampton in the summer of 2024. Despite the Saints’ miserable season that culminated in relegation, Fernandes still earned himself a £40 million transfer to West Ham.

Sadly for the Portuguese, his club is once again facing the threat of demotion to the Championship, but at least he has managed to impress on an individual level, proving to be one of the few bright spots in the Hammers’ woeful campaign.

The young Fernandes’ exploits in East London also earned him a call-up from the Portuguese national team, where he was able to mingle with Bruno Fernandes, whom he named as his ‘biggest role model’ .

Last week, a report from The Sun claimed that the Man Utd skipper told INEOS to sign his younger compatriot, considering him the right profile to carry the torch following his eventual departure from the club.

But according to Sky Sport CH journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Mateus Fernandes is unlikely to join MUFC for two main reasons.

Tavolieri, who confirmed that Bruno has indeed recommended the other Fernandes to United. However, the transfer market expert reckons that the West Ham player isn’t considered a priority for Man Utd at the moment, with the club directors focusing on other targets.

Moreover, the competition for Mateus’ signature will be ‘fierce’, with United facing a familiar foe in Manchester City.

The Cityzens’ sporting director, Hugo Viana, is all too familiar with the 21-year-old from their time together at Sporting, and he would like to reunite with the player at the Etihad.

Interestingly, Fernandes isn’t the only common target between the two Manchester Neighbours, as they could also clash heads for Elliot Anderson, who remains high on both clubs’ shortlists.

But if City were to prevail in the race for the Nottingham Forest star, perhaps United could retaliate by launching an onslaught for the West Ham youngster, who remains significantly cheaper.

Forest’s asking price for Anderson could be higher than £100 million, while Fernandes could cost half the fee.