Mourinho plots Real Madrid hijack of United's £80m Mateus Fernandes pursuit

Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes faces a potential complication, with Jose Mourinho reportedly urging Real Madrid to hijack the deal before United can finalise a move for the £80m-rated player.

Fernandes endured a difficult season at West Ham, who were relegated to the Championship after finishing 18th in the Premier League. Despite the club’s struggles, the Portuguese midfielder was widely regarded as their standout performer and has attracted significant interest from top clubs. United are believed to be among the frontrunners to secure his signature.

However, according to Spanish outlet AS, Mourinho — who managed United between 2016 and 2018 — has put Fernandes’ name forward to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Mourinho is widely expected to be appointed as Madrid’s new manager should Perez be re-elected on Sunday, and the report suggests he has already begun identifying transfer targets ahead of a potential arrival at the Bernabeu.

Fernandes also suffered relegation with Southampton earlier in 2025 before joining West Ham, making him one of the few players to drop out of the top flight twice in the same calendar year. His performances nonetheless kept his valuation high, and a bidding war between United and Real Madrid would represent a significant test of the club’s resolve.

That resolve was addressed directly by United CEO Omar Berrada, who outlined the club’s approach to the summer window. “We have to be really disciplined, it’s simple,” Berrada said. “We have a plan, we know what we can invest, and we have to stick to that. In some cases, we may decide to make an investment knowing it’s the right thing for not just the next two or three years, but the next 10 years.”

Berrada added: “It’s very important that you don’t let the market or the agents dictate what we should be doing.” The comments were interpreted by some as a signal that a high-profile midfield signing may not be guaranteed this window, even as United look to strengthen ahead of a return to Champions League football.

Michael Carrick, appointed permanently as manager following an impressive Premier League campaign that delivered a third-place finish, will lead United in Europe next season. The club have already made progress on one signing, with a reported £39 million agreement reached with Atalanta for goalkeeper Ederson.