Roberto De Zerbi’s relentless pursuit and promises of a "second father" figure lured the Portuguese star to London, snubbing Old Trafford to spearhead Tottenham Hotspur's domestic title charge.
Man Utd's current midfield situation is interesting...
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Manchester United were known to be in the market for multiple midfielders this summer transfer window, and many names have been linked with the Reds, but many of them have slipped through the grips of United's transfer pull.
For example, Elliott Anderson, who was reported to be top of United's shortlist for the midfield, made his move to Manchester City for a fee in excess of £115 million, a price United are stubborn on abstaining from forking out.
Sandro Tonali was another name in a similar situation; the Reds were once again priced out of a move when he completed his £100 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.
Another Tottenham transfer, Mateus Fernandes, who was a key target for the Reds, has revealed the reasons why he chose the London side over United.
Fernandes' connection with De Zerbi
After an impressive Premier League campaign last season, Fernandes was regarded as one of the most sought-after midfielders in English football, as he was predicted to move away from West Ham, who were relegated.
The 22-year-old was physically and technically one of the best-performing midfielders in the Premier League last season, which is part of the reason he was valued with such high regard.
Fernandes was in the 95th percentile or higher in distance covered, top speed, and number of sprints per 90, and recorded 5.42 recoveries and 3.27 long balls per 90 during his season with West Ham.
Fernandes was linked with a move to United, but the board refused to pay the £85 million price tag set by West Ham, and he's revealed Roberto De Zerbi's influence was one of the reasons he chose Tottenham instead.
The Athletic has reported what Fernandes said that favoured his transfer to Spurs: "The way he [De Zerbi] spoke with me and my family was very important for me. He was calling me every day, so I’m very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things."
De Zerbi was a key influence for the transfer, and he was determined to build that personal connection early: “He said he would take care of me, that he would be my second dad in England. I’m very happy to work with him.”
Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha and Noussair Mazraoui will return to Manchester United ahead of the fourth match of pre-season against Paris Saint-Germain.roundtable.ioRevealed: When Bruno Fernandes & More Will Return To Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha and Noussair Mazraoui will return to Manchester United ahead of the fourth match of pre-season against Paris Saint-Germain.
Fernandes wants to win titles at Tottenham
United and Spurs have been on a similar trajectory over the last couple of seasons; both sides endured their worst recorded domestic campaign in the modern era in 2024/25, battling it out at the bottom of the table.
The rivalry culminated in a Europa League final in 2025, which Spurs won, and they were believed to have saved their future and were thought to compete both in the Champions League and domestically again.
But the opposite occurred, Spurs were dragged into a relegation battle last season, while United recorded a third-place finish.
Despite this, Fernandes believes De Zerbi's Spurs are the right destination to challenge for domestic trophies. "The desire of playing for a big club, winning games, to fight for the Premier League, for the title," was a factor in his decision.
Michael Carrick is gearing up for a title challenge with his newly acquired United side, having secured the transfers of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, so Fernandes' comments will be put to the test in due course.