Nicky Butt backs Manchester United's £50m pursuit of in-form Summerville after World Cup brace

Manchester United have lodged an enquiry for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, with the Hammers expected to demand around £50 million for the Dutchman, whose stock has risen sharply after two goals in two World Cup games for the Netherlands.

Summerville, 24, scored his latest in the Netherlands’ 5-1 demolition of Sweden on Saturday, adding to an already strong case for a summer move. United’s interest has now drawn public backing from former Red Devils midfielder Nicky Butt, who believes the winger fits the profile of player the club needs to strengthen its squad.

“He’s an explosive player, he’s good to watch, but I don’t think he’s consistent enough,” Butt said. “However, the money shouldn’t be a lot to get him, and United have to build a squad. It can’t be all about going and getting the superstar signings. Summerville was brilliant for the Netherlands in the first game, so he could potentially start every week for Man United. I’m looking at him thinking he’s got to get a lot more consistent to get to the next level. But I’d still definitely look at signing a player like him.”

Butt also stressed the importance of squad depth, pointing to a defeat against Leeds at Old Trafford last season as evidence of United’s current limitations beyond the starting eleven. “When you play a team and see their starting 11 but then they’ve got another four that can come on and make a difference, that’s massive,” he added. “The players on the bench and around the squad weren’t good enough. When they’re all fit they’re really good but they still need to build the squad.”

Summerville joined West Ham from Leeds in 2024 and is under contract at the London Stadium until 2031. His form at the start of the calendar year was a key factor in helping Nuno Espirito Santo’s side improve their survival chances, though he struggled to sustain that level as the season progressed.

The winger is not the only West Ham player on United’s radar. Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes is also a reported target, though Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be monitoring him as well.