Mateus Fernandes names United as first choice as Rashford's Barcelona future grows uncertain

Manchester United have emerged as the top choice for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the 21-year-old Portugal international understood to favour a move to Old Trafford over rival interest from Paris Saint-Germain, according to The i. The development comes as United prepare for a return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.

Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton for £42m in 2025 but is expected to leave the London club this summer following their relegation from the Premier League, with a fee of around £60m anticipated. Despite being named in the senior Portugal setup — coming off the bench for Bruno Fernandes during a spring friendly against the United States — he was left out of Roberto Martinez’s World Cup squad.

Marcus Rashford’s future, meanwhile, has been further complicated by Barcelona’s pursuit of Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. The Catalan club are reported to be closing in on a £69.3m deal for Gordon, who, like Rashford, can operate across the front line. Rashford has spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona, but questions remain over whether the club will trigger their £26m purchase option with Gordon potentially filling a similar role.

United and Rashford are now said to be heading for crunch talks that could result in the England international returning to Old Trafford permanently. A move within the Premier League has also been discussed, with Arsenal and Tottenham mentioned as possible destinations.

The departures of Casemiro and Jadon Sancho at the end of June, combined with uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte’s future, mean Carrick faces significant midfield decisions. Ederson, the Brazil international and Casemiro’s compatriot, is reported to be on his way to United, potentially as one piece of a broader squad overhaul.

With the World Cup beginning in a fortnight, some transfer business is likely to be delayed, though United’s need to add depth ahead of at least eight additional Champions League fixtures next season means the window will be active once the tournament concludes. Both Rashford and Gordon are part of the senior England squad for the tournament, where they will compete for minutes on the left flank.