Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League
Michael Carrick is keen to bolster his Man Utd squad (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United have been advised to pull out of the race to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The Red Devils have identified Fernandes as one of their top summer targets as they look to bolster Michael Carrick’s options in midfield.
Brazilian veteran Casemiro ended his stay at Old Trafford at the end of the season and Manchester United are open to offers for Manuel Ugarte.
United have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta to sign Brazil World Cup star Ederson but intend to welcome at least one more midfielder into Carrick’s squad.
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Fernandes appears to be Manchester United’s top target, with reports claiming West Ham’s Portuguese star has agreed personal terms over a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
But legendary striker Teddy Sheringham, who played for both clubs, believes it would be a mistake for United to sign the 21-year-old.
‘I wasn’t so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham last season,’ former England striker Sheringham told ComeOn.
West Ham United v Leeds United - Premier League
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes (Picture: Getty)
‘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. They need to buy the top players or they will miss out again and again.
‘It was the same with Harry Kane and Declan Rice a few years ago when the chance was there to go and sign them. United were nowhere in the market for them. Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have let that happen.
Spurs Legends v AC Milan Glorie
Man Utd legend Teddy Sheringham (Picture: Getty)
‘Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example, and you need those top players at a club like United otherwise you’ll end up in the same situation.
‘It’s not about having good players. You want great players playing for Manchester United because it takes a lot to play for the club. So go out and break the bank for the top players and let them lead.’
Fernandes impressed for West Ham last season but was unable to prevent the Hammers from suffering relegation to the Championship.
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Tottenham are firmly in the transfer race (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal were linked with a move for Fernandes earlier in the month but are now focussing on other targets, most notably England’s Morgan Rogers.
New Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is also a known admirer of Fernandes but reports claim the La Liga giants expect Manchester United to secure his signature.
United’s biggest rival in the transfer race now appears to be Tottenham, who have also held talks with both West Ham and Fernandes about a move to north London.
West Ham are open to offers for Fernandes, who only joined the club last summer from Southampton, but value him at around £80m.
While Sheringham has reservations about the Hammers star, Michael Owen believes he would be a shrewd signing for Manchester United.
‘I thought he was brilliant last season,’ Owen told Metro on behalf of Casino.org in the UK, a leading comparison website helping Brits find online casinos that suit their preferences.
‘I watched him a lot I think he’s a very good pick. He’s reasonably young which is another massive tick. If you’re going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don’t want to be buying someone that’s in their late 20s.
‘I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there, and the other thing is he should be gettable.
‘West Ham have gone into the Championship and he’s not going to want to be playing in the Championship so I mean I would think that he’s very gettable and I think he’s very good.
‘I personally would be making him my first choice.’
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