Bruno Fernandes admiration could tip £80m Mateus to Man Utd over Real Madrid and Spurs

West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes could favour a move to Manchester United this summer, with admiration for compatriot and United captain Bruno Fernandes emerging as a potential deciding factor in a transfer race that also involves Real Madrid and Tottenham.

The 21-year-old is expected to command a fee in excess of £80 million following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship, though United are currently unwilling to meet that valuation. Jose Mourinho has reportedly urged Real Madrid to pursue the Portugal international, while Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is also said to be pushing to bring him in, according to The Athletic.

Despite the heavyweight competition, Fernandes has previously spoken openly about the influence Bruno Fernandes has had on him. In a 2024 interview with CNN Portugal, he recalled a vivid memory from his time in Sporting CP’s academy that illustrates just how much the United skipper means to him.

“I remember one time when we were playing against Benfica, Under-16s,” he said. “I’ll always have that moment in my memory. He was off the field — we were playing on one field and he was on the other field watching the game. I remember seeing him and, suddenly, starting to assert myself on the field, yelling at everyone, just so he would notice. I don’t know if he remembers that moment but it’s something that stuck in my memory.”

The prospect of lining up alongside his fellow countryman at Old Trafford could prove a meaningful pull, provided United and West Ham can bridge the gap in their respective valuations.

Fernandes joined West Ham last summer for an initial £38 million from Southampton and made 36 Premier League appearances in a difficult season for the club, scoring three goals and registering four assists. It remains unclear whether West Ham face financial pressure to sell this window in order to comply with Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations following their drop to the second tier.