Sheringham urges Man United to abandon Mateus Fernandes pursuit and sign elite players instead

Teddy Sheringham has urged Manchester United to walk away from their reported pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, warning that the club must target elite players rather than settle for those he considers merely decent.

United have been heavily linked with the Portugal international, with reports suggesting personal terms have already been agreed between the player and the club. Tottenham are also competing for Fernandes’ signature, and West Ham are understood to be demanding around £85 million for the relegated midfielder.

“I wasn’t so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham last season,” Sheringham said. “A lot of West Ham fans think he’ll go on to bigger and better things but the jury’s still out for me on Fernandes. Manchester United need top players. They’ve already got enough decent players.”

The former England striker drew comparisons with United’s failure to sign Harry Kane and Declan Rice, arguing the club has a history of missing out on genuinely transformative talent. “Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have let that happen,” he added. “Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example. Go out and break the bank for the top players and let them lead.”

Spurs are reported to be prepared to go beyond United’s offer for Fernandes, giving them confidence of securing his signature. The potential sale of Lucas Bergvall is believed to have strengthened Tottenham’s financial position in the transfer battle, after the young midfielder requested to leave the club this summer.

United are widely expected to strengthen their midfield this summer following Casemiro’s exit, with Manuel Ugarte also available for transfer. Atalanta’s Ederson is set to complete a £38 million move to Michael Carrick’s squad, while Fernandes is among a broader list of midfield targets that also includes Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, and Aurelien Tchouameni.

A separate development could yet hand United a lifeline in the Fernandes race: Tottenham’s reported pursuit of Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali may divert their attention and resources, potentially reopening the door for Old Trafford.