Real Madrid's Mourinho return complicates Man United's pursuit of Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Mateus Fernandes this summer have been complicated by Real Madrid’s presidential election, with Florentino Pérez retaining his position in a landslide victory over challenger Enrique Riquelme on Sunday.

The result clears the path for José Mourinho to return to the Bernabéu once he departs Benfica, and the former Old Trafford manager is widely expected to pursue Fernandes — a player he is reported to be a strong admirer of. The 21-year-old West Ham midfielder had already been widely linked with a summer exit following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League, but Real Madrid’s reported interest adds a formidable rival to United’s pursuit.

West Ham are said to be holding out for as much as £80 million for Fernandes, though their relegation may weaken their negotiating position and push the final fee considerably lower. Even so, the prospect of a move to Real Madrid — even one coming off a trophy-less campaign — is likely to carry significant appeal for any player of Fernandes’s age and profile.

Mourinho, 63, is set to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, who took charge at Real midway through the season after succeeding Xabi Alonso but failed to turn the campaign around. It will be Mourinho’s return to the club 13 years after his first spell ended acrimoniously.

The development adds pressure on United manager Michael Carrick to identify alternative midfield targets. The club are reported to be close to signing Atalanta’s Ederson as they prepare for the departure of Casemiro. Meanwhile, both Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde have been linked with moves to Old Trafford following a reported altercation in training at Real, though Pérez has indicated both players will remain at the club after being fined and disciplined.