Man Utd issue massive midfielder update as race for €98m star heats up

Updated: 30 Jun 2026 10:30 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Manchester United’s midfield plans have not been affected by Manuel Ugarte’s injury as the club continue their pursuit of West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, according to The Athletic.

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Widespread reports have indicated the Red Devils have made strengthening their midfield a priority this summer, with Michael Carrick’s side reportedly keen to make at least two additions in that area of the pitch.

United are on the verge of signing Brazil international Ederson after a €40.5million (£35m) fee was agreed with Serie A side Atalanta at the start of June, according to BBC Sport.

STATS

Éderson

M (C)

Atalanta

Éderson

M (C)

Atalanta

41

Games
3

Goals
2

Assists

However, there had been fears United would have to pump the brakes on their planned midfield revamp after Uruguay international Ugarte sustained a serious knee ligament injury at the World Cup last Saturday.

Various sources claimed Ugarte was earmarked as a key summer sale by United, with the 25-year-old having struggled to make the grade following his €48.8m (£42.1m) move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

However, according to The Athletic, Ugarte’s injury has not altered United’s pursuit of a new midfielder, with the same publication claiming West Ham’s Fernandes remains their priority target.

Man Utd looking to pip Spurs to Fernandes signing

Fernandes has fast become one of the most sought-after players in this summer's transfer window, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG having also been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old.

The Portugal international impressed in an otherwise torrid 2025-26 season for West Ham, who suffered relegation to the Championship for the first time since 2011 after finishing 18th in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on signing Fernandes and The Times reported last week that Roberto De Zerbi’s side were increasingly confident of beating United to his signature.

However, The Athletic understands United remain firmly in the race for Fernandes, though West Ham will only allow him to leave if they receive a fee in the region of €98m (£85m).

STATS

Mateus Fernandes

M (C)

West Ham

Mateus Fernandes

M (C)

West Ham

42

Games
5

Goals
5

Assists

West Ham have previous form in this regard, having held firm in their valuation of Declan Rice before Arsenal paid €115m (£100m) plus €6m (£5m) in add-ons in July 2023.

Ugarte injury may affect United's desire to sign a winger

However, The Athletic claims Ugarte’s injury may have an effect on United’s interest in signing a new left winger, with the same publication claiming they are admirers of Fernandes’ West Ham team-mate Crysencio Summerville.

Summerville is due to return to England after the Netherlands bowed out of the World Cup following their penalty shootout loss to Morocco on Tuesday. The 24-year-old impressed for Ronald Koeman’s side in North America, recording two goals and two assists apiece.

The Athletic understands Liverpool have also ran the rule over Summerville as they search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah. The same publication revealed on Sunday that dream target Yan Diomande would prefer to join PSG this summer.

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Read more about: La Liga Ligue 1 Premier League Arsenal Atalanta Liverpool Man Utd PSG Real Madrid Tottenham West Ham Crysencio Summerville Declan Rice Ederson Jose Manuel Ugarte Mateus Fernandes Mohamed Salah