Manchester United missing out on transfer targets is nothing new. Just look at Liam Delap last year.
It is no secret that Manchester United wanted to sign Liam Delap by activating his relegation release clause.
Jason Wilcox led the pursuit of Delap, but United failed to sign the striker from Ipswich Town, who instead joined Chelsea.
It is telling now that nobody at United is losing sleep after missing out on Delap, who scored a mere three goals for Chelsea last term. There will be people at Old Trafford hoping for a similar outcome with Mateus Fernandes joining Tottenham.
Mateus Fernandes is set to join Tottenham for £85m: What is your INSTANT REACTION?
WHO do you want Man Utd to sign instead?
Man Utd right not to take Mateus Fernandes risk
United target Fernandes is on the verge of signing for Tottenham in a deal worth £85m.
At the end of the past season, Fernandes was seen as a potential cut-price option if West Ham went down. The £85m transfer fee begs the question: how much would he have cost had the Hammers stayed in the Premier League?
After losing Casemiro, United are under pressure to add strength and depth to their midfield, but Ineos deserve credit for standing firm on Fernandes and not overpaying for the Portuguese midfielder.
There is a chance that Fernandes becomes another Delap situation, in being another overhyped relegated player who was a primary option for United before ending up elsewhere while United go and find a better alternative.
United did exactly that by signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer.
Alternative options to Fernandes could include Adam Scott, Carlos Baleba, or Aurelien Tchouameni.
Of course, I’m not saying Fernandes hasn’t got potential. It is with good reason that he attracted interest from United and Real Madrid. But I struggle to wrap my head around Fernandes’ transfer fee and agreed salary (£250,000 a week) after he has been relegated two seasons on the bounce.
It’s an outrageous price, and nobody should be having a tantrum over missing out on Fernandes, especially when there’s more fish in the sea.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Mateus Fernandes is on the verge of signing for Tottenham in a £85m deal
- United have now walked away from two deals involving midfielders: Elliot Anderson and Fernandes
- Alternatives will now be looked at
What does success for Man Utd look like for you in 2026/27?
While it's early days (we need new signings) – tell us what you think United should be aiming for?
Man Utd stance on Mateus Fernandes sends message to other clubs
In previous transfer windows, United often appeared desperate and other clubs knew they could take advantage of them.
United overspent on many players as a result.
Now, Ineos are trying to change United’s reputation in the market.
The Reds have already walked away from two deals this summer. First, it was Elliot Anderson, who signed for Man City in a £116m deal. Fernandes is the latest, and United were right on both counts.
This will let other clubs know that United are harder to play in the transfer market.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
