Manchester United are pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are lining up an opening bid for Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes ticks all the boxes for United; he is young, he is creative and he has already got crucial Premier League experience under his belt.
A transfer is likely to be expensive, but Fernandes is keen on a move to Manchester United, and rival clubs are already backing away.
He would become United’s second signing, with a deal also lined up for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
Would YOU rather Man United pay £85m for Mateus Fernandes or £125m for Elliot Anderson?
Manchester United remain interested in both Premier League stars
Ederson experience could be key
Manchester United will need squad depth next season, and that’s why a third midfielder signing is possible after deals for Fernandes and Ederson are tied up.
But when it comes to the big games, Mateus Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo could be Michael Carrick’s first choice.
It is a very exciting partnership that could grow into one of the Premier League’s best. In the short-term, there is one negative – youth.
Mainoo and Fernandes are both 21-years-old. There might be games or situations in the season where this could count against them, especially if United are trying to battle to win a title.
Ederson, 26, is an interesting counter-balance to this. His comparative experience with Mainoo and Fernandes will be vital.
The Brazilian has played in the Champions League with Atalanta, and he has even won the Europa League with them. He also brings a different tactical perspective from his time in Serie A.
While Mainoo and Fernandes have Premier League experience, Ederson has age on his side, that may make him a vital steadying influence as the season goes on.
Who is YOUR ‘one to watch’ pick for Man Utd next season?👀
Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro both say Patrick Dorgu, but who is yours?
Manchester United still retain experience
With Casemiro leaving on a free transfer, Manchester United are losing the vital experience of a five-times Champions League winner.
But there is still vital experience retained in this Manchester United squad.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, and when healthy, Matthijs de Ligt.
It is crucial that United blend the mix of youth and experience.
Last summer, United did buy a young striker in Benjamin Sesko, but he was supported with the experience of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, two steadying influences.
Omar Berrada has insisted that United intend to repeat the success of last summer’s transfer window. It already appears to be taking shape.
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