Do you have doubts about spending big on Mateus Fernandes? Sir Jim Ratcliffe can’t be blamed for feeling confused.
Manchester United’s transfer business is rarely straightforward. The developing Mateus Fernandes saga is a case in point.
Fernandes’ West Ham were relegated, and this raised the possibility that Manchester United could sign him at a discount.
Now it may just be posturing, it could be agent talk, but the transfer pursuit has become overly complicated.
Tottenham are aggressively bidding and hiking up the price, to the point that West Ham are now valuing Mateus Fernandes at £85 million.
How much?! This is a talented young player but a totally unproven one who was left out of his national team squad for the World Cup.
For £85 million you would expect to sign a proven superstar. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United could simply walk away.
Man Utd may be in for a long transfer saga over Mateus Fernandes: What is the most INFURIATING/PAINFUL one you can recall?
Ratcliffe’s superstar comments
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos have had to overhaul Manchester United’s operations behind the scenes, and improve the recruitment department.
Speaking in 2024, Ratcliffe insisted that he saw no logic behind splashing out superstar money to sign superstar players and trying to take shortcuts.
He explained: “I would rather sign the next Mbappe rather than spend a fortune buying success. It’s not that clever buying Mbappe. Anyone could figure that one out.
“More challenging is to find the next Mbappe or next Jude Bellingham or next Roy Keane.”
He will be particularly proud of United’s £18 million deal to sign Senne Lammens, who looks like becoming a long-time first choice goalkeeper for the club.
Spending £85 million on Mateus Fernandes ticks neither box.
For that kind of transfer fee, you expect a proven, guaranteed top level superstar. A player like Vinicius Jr or Raphinha, or a Harry Kane. In midfield terms, a player like Federico Valverde or Rodri.
Mateus Fernandes is not at that level.
Might he become that player? Perhaps. But it is not smart to gamble £85 million on what he might become.
Manchester United learned this lesson with both Antony and Jadon Sancho. Two players whose final prices were inflated by potential, rather than guaranteed production.
Mateus Fernandes could be worth an investment at £60 million. But when you get into the realm of paying absolute top level prices towards the £100 million range, it becomes irresponsible spending.
United have backed away from the Elliot Anderson chase for similar reasons, with Nottingham Forest seeking £125 million.
Should Man Utd walk away from the Mateus Fernandes deal if West Ham refuse to lower their asking price? 🤔
West Ham are sticking to their £85m demands for Mateus Fernandes
What Man Utd should do next
Manchester United have an improved scouting department and data team, and this is where they should be proving their worth. The club must go and find Fernandes-level players at the appropriate fees.
The club could buy two players for the price of Fernandes, who would be able to have a similar impact on the midfield. It would also send a message to clubs not to overvalue these players or United will simply walk away.
Or failing this, United should go and spend £85 million on a player who is proven at the highest level; Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman could become available this summer with Real Madrid looking to rebuild their own team under returning boss Jose Mourinho.
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